“And they listened to him until this word.” – Acts 22:22
Paul had returned to Jerusalem, knowing full well the danger that awaited him. Friends warned him not to go. Luke pleaded with him. The prophet Agabus even foretold his arrest. Yet Paul went anyway—not out of stubbornness, but out of love for his people. He longed for Israel to hear the truth about Jesus. When the mob seized him and Roman soldiers pulled him away for his own safety, Paul finally received a moment to speak. He addressed them in Hebrew, and the crowd grew silent. They listened—attentively, respectfully—until he spoke one word they refused to accept.
That word was Gentiles. The moment Paul declared that salvation was also for the non‑Jew, the crowd shut their ears. Truth confronted their prejudice, and they stopped listening. They were willing to hear Paul’s testimony, willing to hear about Jesus, willing to hear about miracles and grace—until the message challenged their beliefs. Their hearts were open until truth required surrender. Then they closed themselves off, just as many do today.
Scripture often pierces our hearts in the same way. We listen gladly when God comforts us, encourages us, or blesses us. But when His Word confronts our pride, challenges our habits, or calls us to obedience, we sometimes stop listening. We turn away from the very truth meant to set us free. The Jews rejected Paul’s message not because it was unclear, but because it was uncomfortable. And if we’re honest, we can do the same.
What is Jesus saying to you today? Is His Word challenging you, stretching you, or confronting something you don’t want to surrender? Will you stop listening because it doesn’t fit your preferences, or will you press in and obey? The blessing is always on the other side of submission. Let His voice speak—and let your heart stay open.
“We must allow the Word of God to confront us, disturb our security, undermine our complacency, and overthrow our patterns of thought and behavior.” – John Stott
surrendered devotions 