Read Acts 20:13-38
Title in NIV: Paul gives a farewell message to the Ephesian
elders.
How would you say goodbye if you were leaving a place where
you spread the good news about Jesus and wanted to encourage them to continue
in the faith? I think of missionaries going home after a long period abroad.
Paul went to Miletus and sent
for the elders in Ephesus .
When they came he spoke to them about witnessing, discipleship, prophecy, love,
sin and salvation.
About discipleship he said: I lived with you for a
long time. I served the Lord with great
humility and with tears although I was tested by the plots of the Jews. I have
not coveted anyone’s gold or silver or clothing. My hands have supplied my own
needs for myself and my companions. In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul talks about how
he was not a burden to anyone.
About witnessing he said: I have not hesitated to
preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and
from house to house. I have declared to the Jews and Greeks that they must turn
to God in repentance and faith in our Lord Jesus. Now, I am going to witness in
Jerusalem . Who
knows what will happen to me there. However, my life is worth nothing to me. I
just want to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me
of testifying the gospel of God’s grace. I have not hesitated to proclaim to
you the whole will of God, therefore I am innocent of the blood of all men.
I never stopped warning you for 3 years night and day with
tears.
My thought: Paul held out the gospel and spoke of the good
new to all men and he is confident that he tried to snatch them away from the
fire (Jude 23). I shutter to think of all the one’s I passed up when I could
have held out life to them. Dear Lord, forgive me!
About prophecy he said: In every city the Holy Spirit
warned me about prison and hardships that I am facing.
About commandments he said: Keep watch over
yourselves and the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be
shepherds of the church
of God
About sin he said: When I leave, wolves will come in
among you and not spare the flock. Even from your own number, men will arise
and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. Be on your
guard.
About salvation he said: I commit you to God and to
the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among
all those who are sanctified.
About love he said: I showed you by this hard work we
must help the weak, remembering what the Lord said, “It is more blessed to give
than receive.” They all wept as they embraced Paul and kissed him. They knew
they would not see him again and it grieved them. Paul had to tear himself away
from them to get on the ship.
Well, at some point, we are all leaving forever...from this earth. Leave a legacy of hope and faith for the next generation.
Blessings!
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