Golden Handcuffs
Today’s Verse:
And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: ~Acts 20:22
In the area of executive compensation, profitable corporations look for ways to keep and secure their best executives from leaving. One of their tactics that is used is called “golden handcuffs.” This is a compensation package that promises to payout an exorbitant amount of money to the executive as long as he contractually agrees to stay with them and perform a stipulated level of productivity. Many experts see a golden handcuffs arrangement as a win-win situation for both the executive and the corporation. This morning, we see how one of God’s choicest servants was handcuffed or bound in the spirit to doing his duty.
We see the cause.
“For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.” Paul had preached in the major cities of his day: Antioch, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, Philippi, and Thessalonica. One city was on his heart to declare the gospel to and see set free from the bondage of legalism and false teaching. That was none other than the beloved city of every Jew, Jerusalem. The Day of Pentecost was approaching and the Jews would converge there for that day. Paul knew that would be an opportune moment for him to preach the gospel to a large audience of his kinsmen. Does the thought of preaching the gospel to masses of people cause you to be bound in the Spirit?
We see the compelling.
Paul said, “I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem.” The word “bound” implies being tied up or being in chains. It has the idea that the one being bound is in the possession and ownership of the one who bound him. Paul vividly is describing the call of duty. When duty calls, we are bound to obey and fulfill our calling. It is critically important that we prioritize the main responsibilities of our life and know what we are to be bound to. Once God put this thought on Paul’s heart and mind, it owned and controlled him. He would not let up or rest until this objective of getting to Jerusalem for the Day of Pentecost was accomplished. Let us remember that what we are bound to indicates the master of our hearts.
We see the courage.
“And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there.” Paul knew going to Jerusalem posed great personal risks. These risks included imprisonment, physical beating, false accusations, and even death. Being bound in the spirit to this duty meant he might never see his friends in other cities again. However, Paul said, “None of these things move, neither count I my life dear unto myself.” He knew God’s calling did not come without God’s equipping. Can you imagine the courageous determination in Paul’s face and voice as he declared what the Lord called him to do?
We see the compensation.
Paul saw a twofold payoff. The first was that he would finish his course and the ministry God gave him with joy. Paul accepted each assignment as if it was his last. He determined that he would finish his mission with joy. He didn’t see just the risks, he also saw the rewards. He never started anything without the idea he would also finish it well. The second was that he would be able to testify of the gospel to a large assembly of Jews. To Paul, his life was wrapped up in getting to the city of peace to tell them of the Prince of Peace.
The idea of being handcuffed is intimidating. However, being handcuffed in the spirit to what God calls us to do is the supreme purpose of glorifying God. Do what God tells you to do “being bound in the spirit.”
Have a purposed God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Luke 19-20