"I Am Ready" (Acts 21.13)

by Jarvis, A. G. | Category: General | Oct 1963

This is no foolish boasting on the part of the apostle Paul. He has been prepared for the outcome of his intended visit to Jerusalem. "Bonds and afflictions," are part of the freely accepted price of his selfless devotion to his Saviour, Master and Friend. There is one thing that, for him, is of supreme importance, and which far outweighs any considerations of his own personal safety; the will of the Lord is the ruling factor in his life. To such an one, who has enthroned Christ as Lord in his heart, there is no alternative to the carrying out of His bidding. Not does he desire any; he is ready, for life or death. Perhaps in not other way do we fail quite so much, or so often, as in not being ready for the call of the Master to service. How frequently do opportunities of witnessing for Him find us unprepared. Calls come suddenly and unexpectedly, and only as we have "our loins girded and our feet shod" in readiness can we worthily respond to the Master's call to service. Of all things, opportunities are the most fleeting, and often leave no time to prepare for the seizing of them.

I am ready" is the voice of a man who has counted the cost, and settled the issue. Behind this declaration is the profound truth of the transforming power of fellowship with Christ. "I can do all things in Him that strengtheneth me (Philippians 4.13).

Surely, too, we may take to ourselves the words of the Lord (which will have their special message to a faithful remnant passing through the time of Jacob's trouble),

"And be ye yourselves like unto men looking for their Lord" (Luke i2. 86)

Meanwhile the word comes to each disciple of Christ, "Being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3.15), and to "be ready unto every good work" (Titus 3.1). "So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good towards all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith" (Galatians 6. 10).

Jarvis, A. G. | Oct 1963
General