What is More Valuable than Life
Scripture Passage: Acts 20:17-25 (NASB)
17 From Miletus he sent word to Ephesus and called to himself the elders of the church. 18 And when they came to him, he said to them,
“You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was beneficial, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, 21 solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that chains and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of God’s grace.
25 “And now behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face.
SUMMARY
Paul taught both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ publicly and from house to house since he set foot in Asia. At his farewell to Ephesian elders, he revealed the Holy Spirit compelled him to go to Jerusalem and warned him imprisonment and hardships await. Nevertheless, Paul committed his life to fulfilling the mission he had received from Jesus - to testify solemnly of the gospel of God’s grace.
MEDITATION AND REFLECTION
I meditated on how Paul considered his life worth nothing to him. He went through many trials and shed many tears in Asia. Knowing more afflictions ahead, he submitted to the end. His obedience and total surrender brought so many to know the word of the Lord. He allowed the Holy Spirit to move him to fulfill the purpose of his life. I reflected on my attitude in spreading the gospel and my attitude in ministry God blessed me with. I see myself struggle with completely laying down my life and prioritizing my time and energy. Too often I chose the easiest ways and the most effortless tasks. I give excuses that I am not capable, and I hide the selfishness that I do not want to be available. God showed me that the word “shrink” in verse 20 (or “hesitated” in other translation) has been my attitude for His kingdom’s work.
APPLICATION
I thank God to help me reflect on my attitude today. I want to be more like Paul severing the Lord with all humility. Be a vessel that God can use by obeying the Holy Spirit’s prompting. While talking to one of our sisters who came back from her mission outreach, I remember that I have not gone to one that was part of my DT training last year. I got distracted by this pandemic and totally forgot to even pray about it. My application is to return to prayer and pray for my heart to align with Father’s heart and my attitude to be more like Paul. Pray that when the opportunity comes, I will not be hesitant.
PRAYER
Abba Father,
Thank you for being here with me in my quiet time. Thank you for speaking to me through Your word. Let it transform my heart. Be a true follower of Christ. Help me repent from my selfishness. Give me courage even though I do not know what will happen to me. I pray that You will open doors for our church outreach programs when Covid subsides. I pray for missionaries in the field. Protect them and provide them every need in this one year mark of pandemic. Thank you, Lord. In the name of Jesus I pray.
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