After we had torn ourselves away from them (the Ephesian elders), we put out to sea and sailed straight to Kos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail. After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed to Syria. We landed at Tyre, here our ship was to unload its cargo. We sought out disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. When it was time to leave, we left and continued on our way. All of them, including wives and children, accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. After saying goodbye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home. (Acts 21:1-6)
Paul and Luke’s journey to Jerusalem was smooth sailing—a different port every day. Until they reached Tyre. God disrupted their plans to sail to Jerusalem quickly. Unloading the cargo on their ship took seven days.
Seven is God’s number for perfection and completion. God delayed them and guided them to his disciples in Tyre. In only seven days, Paul created bonds of love and met their spiritual needs through the The Holy Spirit.
The Spirit revealed to the Tyrian disciples that Paul would be persecuted—and perhaps murdered in Jerusalem. They urged him not to go. Paul touched the disciples so deeply that even the women and children accompanied him and his entourage to the beach where they knelt and prayed.
Through the Spirit we also can make a difference in someone’s life in seven days.
Father, Guide me to someone you want me to touch. Help me meet their spiritual needs. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Jody, you touch someone everyday with your devotions. Your writing is a gift from God to you, but also it is a gift to others. It is a gift to me, as it is helping me develop a closer relationship to God. Your writing is allowing me to let the Holy Spirit into my body. Right now my body needs to be healed and I am praying for healing. “By His wounds you have been healed. ” 1 Peter 2:24
Prayers for you and your family. Have a blessed day. I love you.
Love you, too! Thanks so much for your encouragement. It means a lot. If you are the only one I touch it is worth writing. Keep declaring that and God will heal you. God keeps his promises. I’m praying for you too. Blessings, Jody