Ready to Die for the Lord
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | January 7 2026 | Acts 21:12-16
KEY VERSE: “… I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus... The Lord's will be done.” (Acts 21:13-14, NIV)
MESSAGE:
As Paul’s journey toward Jerusalem continues, the reality of suffering becomes unmistakably clear. After prophetic warnings, the believers respond with tears and urgent pleas, urging Paul not to continue. Yet this moment reveals the depth of Paul’s devotion to Christ. Acts 21:12-14 confronts us with a sobering truth: true obedience to God may demand not just comfort, but life itself. Paul’s response challenges every believer to examine the seriousness of their commitment to Christ. Let us learn three key lessons from today’s passage.
Love Often Pleads, But God Still Leads (v. 12). The believers’ reaction is deeply emotional. Out of genuine love and concern, they beg Paul not to go to Jerusalem. Their tears are sincere, but sincerity does not always equal divine direction. Even godly people can discourage obedience when they prioritise safety over calling. Love wants to protect, but God’s leading points forward.
True Commitment Is Willing to Pay the Highest Price (v. 13). Paul responds with resolve: “I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die… for the name of the Lord Jesus.” This is not recklessness; it is surrender. Paul’s life no longer belongs to himself. A believer fully surrendered to Christ measures obedience by faithfulness rather than by survival.
God’s Will Ultimately Silences Every Other Voice (v. 14). When the believers realise Paul will not be persuaded, they stop resisting and declare, “The Lord’s will be done.” This moment marks spiritual maturity—submission to God’s purpose even when it is painful. True faith bows to God’s will, trusting that His purposes are greater than our fears.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
What voices influence your obedience most - God’s call or people’s concerns? Being ready to die for the Lord begins with being ready to live fully for Him. When Christ becomes your highest allegiance, even suffering loses its power to stop your obedience. PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, You gave Your life for me. Grant me the grace to follow You without reservation. Strengthen my faith so that fear, pressure, or suffering will not turn me away from Your will. Help me to live - and if necessary, to die - for Your name and Your glory. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: READY The word translated ready comes from ἕτοιμος (hetoimos), meaning prepared, resolved, or fully willing. It describes a state of inner readiness formed ahead of the moment of decision.
Paul’s readiness was not sudden bravery. It was the fruit of a life consistently yielded to Christ. His commitment had been shaped long before this moment.
Reflect on this:
Spiritual readiness grows through daily surrender. When obedience is settled early, faith stands firm when costly moments arrive.
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