“Join Me In My Struggle By Praying To God For Me!”

“Join Me In My Struggle By Praying To God For Me!”
Lord Tennyson was not writing anything new when he put these words in the mouth of the legendary King Arthur. Included in the last words of Arthur to Sir Bedivere, the last of his knights were: “…If thou shouldst never see my face again, pray for my soul. More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of…For what are men better than sheep or goats…if, knowing God, they lift not hands of prayer both for themselves and those who call them friends?…”
When Paul forsaw a near death encounter ahead of him, he appealed to the Roman brethren: “I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying for me. Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there…”(Rom.15:30 -33).
The brethren in Macedonia and Achaia had made some financial contributions to assist the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. Paul was on his way to deliver the money (Rom.15:25-27). But the Jews in Jerusalem were waiting to kill him because according to them he was teaching “all men everywhere against our people and our law and this place”(Acts21:27ff). At Tyre the disciples, “through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem…”(Acts 21:4).
Paul was however “compelled by the Spirit” to go to Jerusalem; “not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace”(Acts 20: 22-24).
To finish the race and complete the task which the Lord Jesus gives us is not a smooth ride. Yet, what has to be done has to be done; as long as it is to complete the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace!
My friend, one way or the other, we find ourselves in the same position like Paul. The challenges and the risks involved are obvious. Like Paul it is needful to make this request I ask you by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit to “join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.” Pray that my services should be acceptable to the saints I administer to. Remember this: “Whatever your task, work heartily as serving the Lord and not men! We all have assignments and we must intercede for each other and for others.
Weekend prayer: God of peace, may you be with your children and hear their intercessions. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!