"I Am Ready"

by Jarvis, A. G. | Category: General | Jan 1962

(Acts 21. 18)

This is no foolish boasting on the part of the apostle Paul. He had been prepared for the outcome of his intended visit to Jerusalem. "Bonds and afflictions " were part of the freely accepted price of his selfless devotion to his Saviour, Master, and Friend. There was one thing, that was for him, of supreme importance, and which far outweighed any considerations of his own personal safety, that was the will of the Lord. This was the ruling factor in his life: and to such a one who had enthroned Christ as Lord in his heart, there was no alternative to the carrying out of His bidding. Nor did he desire any other; he was ready, either for life or for death.

Perhaps in no other way do we fail so much, or so often, as in not being ready to answer the call of the Master to His 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 seizing them.

"I am ready" is the voice of the man who has counted the cost, and settled the issue. Behind this declaration is the profound truth of the transforming fellowship with Christ. Again the apostle writes, "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 future faithful remnant, passing through the "time of Jacob's trouble,"

"and be ye yourselves like unto men looking for their lord" (Luke 12.86).

"Therefore be ye also ready" (Matthew 24.44).

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, yet with meekness and fear (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 toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household

of the Faith" (Galatians 6.10).

Jarvis, A. G. | Jan 1962
General