A SLICE OF APOSTOLIC LIFE -- Tomorrow:
"Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place." (2 Cor 2:12-14)
Devotion 7 of 24
"I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel . . ."
The details of this particular visit are not provided in the book of Acts. We know that Paul went to Troas on his second tour of the churches (Acts 16:8-12). While it is true that, at this time, he sailed to Macedonia from Troas, this was well before his initial visit to Corinth, during which he remained for "a year and six months" (Acts 18:11). The writing of Second Corinthians took place some time after that period of a year and six months.
The time to which Paul now refers probably took place just prior to his departure to Macedonia from Ephesus (Acts 20:1-2). He apparently did not remain there long at that time. This assessment is based on the fact that Paul departed to go to Macedonia at that time (Acts 20:1 and 2 Cor 2:13). He will now provide a few details of that occasion, and how they impacted his decisions.
A DOOR OPENED TO ME BY THE LORD
" . . . and a door was opened unto me of the Lord . . . "
Here is an example of the "steps of a good man" being "ordered by the Lord" (Psa 37:23). Although Paul's intention to preach Christ's Gospel in Troas did not apparently materialize, yet his fervent desire to preach the Gospel itself was honored.
There is a lesson to be learned here concerning godly plans or purposes. Our aim should be high – reaching beyond HOW or WHERE our objectives will be fulfilled. While it is certainly not wrong to determine to preach the Gospel at a particular place, it is not right to suspend all of our hopes upon the preaching being done at that place. The Lord may direct our ambitions to preach His Gospel to be fulfilled elsewhere.
This is also seen in Paul and company determining to carry the Gospel into Asia, only to be forbidden by the Spirit to do so (Acts 16:6). It is also seen in their determination to go into Bithynia, only to confront the Spirit of Jesus not allowing them to do so (Acts 16:7). The ambitions were noble, but the time was not yet right. Those who labor in the vineyard of the Lord must be sensitive to His direction. There is no way to systematize such sensitivity so that it can be taught by one believer to another. Like many facets of life in Christ Jesus, this is something that requires fellowship with Christ Jesus (1 Cor 1:9), and the communion of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor 13:14). Both of these are intensely personal, driven by faith, a consistent love for Jesus, and a deep desire to do the will of the Lord. Where these qualities are absent, Divine direction will not be realized.
We also learn that the Lord directing our steps does not mean that we ourselves have no purposes or objectives. The secret is to subject all of our plans to the will of the Lord, even as our blessed Lord Himself did: "nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done" (Lk 22:42). This is the same spirit David exhibited when He confessed to God, "I delight to do Thy will, O my God: yea, Thy law is within my heart" (Psa 40:8). In his measure, he was experiencing the very heart and mind of the Savior, who brought that saying to its highest and most extensive fulfillment (Heb 10:4-10). Jesus stated it succinctly to His disciples when He said, "My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work" (John 4:34).
This frame of spirit is what made Paul directable. It will also assist you in being a person through whom the Lord can work.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I desire to be used in the fulfillment of Your revealed purpose. Grant me grace to conduct my life in a manner that is pleasing to You.