10 “While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem.” (Acts 21:10–12)
A storm warning indicates that meteorologists have observed impending severe weather conditions. If a storm warning has been issued, it means potentially dangerous weather is imminent in or near your location.
Like a dangerous weather pattern, whether it be a hurricane, a tornado or a blizzard, the Apostle Paul was facing imminent and dangerous conditions in Jerusalem. Mind you, the danger for Paul had nothing to do with the weather. It had everything to do with truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
While Paul, Luke and others stayed at Phillip’s home in Caesarea, a prophet of God named Agabus came from Judea with a storm warning for Paul. Acts 21:11 says, “And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ”
Agabus utilized the apostle’s belt to illustrate what was going to occur to Paul when he arrived in Jerusalem: he would be arrested and bound. Agabus’ methodology was much like the Old Testament prophets (Isaiah 20:1-2; Jeremiah 13:1-11; Ezekiel 4:1-12). Agabus’ speech also resembled the OT prophet when he said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit.”
Upon hearing this storm warning from Agabus, the believers in Caesarea pleaded with Paul not to go to Jerusalem. They feared that dire circumstances awaited him there. However, Paul was not to be dissuaded.
Dr. Simon Kistemaker writes, “Paul understood the warnings as confirmation that ‘he must suffer many things for the Lord’s name’ (Acts 9:16). He considered these divine revelations to be symbols of God’s grace designed to prepare him for the immediate future.”
Paul was more than willing, ready and able to go Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit was leading Paul with a divine purpose (Acts 9:15-16). How is God leading you to fulfill His divine purpose for your life? It may not be easy. It may be downright hard. Regardless, if your life is being lived in accordance with Scripture, you are in the place the Lord would have you to be to accomplish His purpose for your life.
Sol deo Gloria!
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