He had been sufficiently warned of the harm that would befall him if he continued to follow the path he was on. You would really think someone as spiritually discerning as Paul would be able to adequately heed the warning of this impending danger. After all, wouldn’t the purpose of revealing this bit of information also include the directive that he should avoid it? Paul’s response, though, would indicate that awareness of coming danger has nothing to do with altering a directive already in place. Until there was a change of destination from the Spirit, forecasts, no matter how ominous, could not be accepted as a legitimate redirection. He was ready to follow His Master’s example of obedience, even if it meant going all the way to death. He had come to clearly understand that Jesus’ greatest achievement was the obedience that took Him to the cross. He had known what was coming, but didn’t allow this knowledge to alter His course and its ultimate impact on His fulfilled purpose in us.

We are understandably created to be ‘avoiders of danger’. This is quite often essential to our survival as we thankfully avoid any perceived threat and seek the path of the least peril. From our first breath there is great care given to making sure air is breathed, food is eaten, and pain is averted. At first this is the task of the parent, but increasing with maturity is this survival instinct that determines the path of life based upon a powerful drive to survive. You just don’t cross the street in front of an oncoming truck, step off tall buildings, get too close to fires, or antagonize the local monster- you know, things that will obviously bring certain damage and pain.

As entrance is made into the kingdom as new creatures in Christ, there is a wonderful revelation of an abundant and secure life that is provided for us in Him. Gifts have been given to us that will bring direction, encouragement and warning for our betterment and protection. As this knowledge is coupled together with our ever-present survival obsession, it would seem that any time revelation is provided, especially through a gift of the Spirit, that its purpose is to provide direction. While a revelation of impending persecution or difficulty could come with additional instructions, until those additions are in place, prior instructions will not be adjusted. Rather than just avoiding conflict and perilous battles there is an option we have to experience the victory and significance that only comes when the battle is engaged as an obedient soldier. Instead of instilling fear and the onset of the Jonah run-away syndrome, a quiet confidence will rise with each step made towards the giant rather than away from him. It may hurt a bit and it may not seem fair or just to human perception, but the wisdom and understanding of the Father will always yield the triumph that is only discovered in conflict. God is ready to accomplish so much through our obedience to step into the fray rather than run away.

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