“After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance. But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me. Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin— unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’ ”

--Parallel verses:
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭11‬-‭14‬
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”

What I find incredibly faithful in what Paul did in Jerusalem is, he went into the hornet’s nest not to pick a fight with the Jews or because he wanted to win a philosophical argument. He went there in obedience to God to care for the poor. He did this with boldness, and let the “chips fall where they may” regarding his personal safety, livelihood, and reputation. He followed God with confidence because he knew God would give him power and strength to stand in any persecution, supported by the people and prayers of the church, and to represent Jesus.

I find there are few who want to take their faith this far these days. They are “all in” when it is easy, somewhat popular, and convenient. But when standing for Jesus cuts to the core, because of persecution, sacrifice, or hardship, they cave or pull back. Instead of serving and sharing what God has given them, they hoard their resources for the trials ahead. What good is it to hoard resources for future trials when our brothers and sisters in Christ are struggling today? (This is not to be confused with diligent saving in good times for the future.)

So Paul, commissioned by the Gentile churches, comes to Jerusalem as their ambassador to share their wealth with the Jewish church, who has poor people in need.

I love the commands in Romans: 1) We are to keep our spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. This means in all situations, especially when trials come. There are No Spiritual Days Off. 2) Be joyful, patient, and faithful. These are attributes of a Christ-like mindset, not a collection of emotions. It is a daily choice. A discipline. 3) Share with the needy and practice hospitality. This is a practical “outflowing-of-a-pure-heart” action. It is a natural response of a heart full of the love of Christ. 4) Bless those who persecute you. Why? Because they are lost souls in need of a Savior and there, but by the grace of God, go I.

Lord, help me to focus on you and your provisions for me: physical, emotional, spiritual, and practical. You can always fill me up when I am depleted. And help me to cast aside my worries and fears and willingly serve you and follow you without holding back.