Finish up Acts, chapter 20, verses 17-38 today.
As Paul arrived in Miletus from Troas, he sent for the elders from the church at Ephesus, which was about 30 miles away. When they arrived, he had some things he wanted to tell them before he left for Jerusalem, because he was fairly certain this was the last time he would be with them. He recounted his ministry and how he had lived his life after devoting it to spreading the Gospel. He had faced many difficulties as he preached, by the Jewish opponents and plots against his life. He was not bragging to this group, but humbly telling them that the focus of his mission had never changed, despite hardship and rejection. Turning to God in repentance and putting faith in Jesus was the message he was compelled to share. These young leaders of the new church in Ephesus would need to remember these words when they faced opposition and hardship. They would be tempted to turn away from their faith when persecution and suffering became part of their everyday lives. Paul was encouraging them and admonishing them, so that they would keep their focus on the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. What do you do when suffering comes your way? Do you shake your fist at God and blame Him for what you are going through? Are you angry that things seem so easy for non-believers and yet your life is hard? We can take Paul’s words to heart, and stand firm in our faith when circumstances are less than wonderful. The enemy is working to turn us away from God and to discourage us as we face tough times. But Jesus promises us that our hope is not in this world, but in our eternal home with Him. This is the truth we can count on, despite what our current circumstances may be.
Paul gave his farewell address to these elders, and shared the mission that the Holy Spirit had laid on his heart. He was to go to Jerusalem, despite the warning that prison and suffering were in his future. He knew he could withstand these hardships, if he could continue His job of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. He was sure of his purpose and calling from God, and was willing to suffer anything the world threw at him, as long as he could preach the Gospel. What are we willing to withstand in order to share Jesus with others? Do we suffer for Christ, and persevere in order to get the message across to people who need to hear the good news? We are much more concerned with our own comfort most of the time, and if we get insulted or mocked for our beliefs, we usually just turn away from those hurtful remarks, and go our own way. Paul did not hesitate to complete the work that God had called him to do. What has God called you to do, and are you willing to complete the task, despite opposition from our culture and liberal society?
A challenge to shepherd God’s flock was rendered here by Paul, and he told this group of disciples to watch themselves, because they were now overseers of God’s church, empowered by the Holy Spirit. He issued a warning that there were wolves out there who would come and try to ravage the flock. Even some within the church would try to distort the truth and turn people away from God. Paul’s impassioned plea was full of love as he reminded them of the time he had spent with them and the tears he shed on their behalf. Our church leaders sacrifice much in order to care for our congregations. When sickness, despair, hard times and the threat of turning away from faith arises within our churches, our church leaders are praying, visiting, interceding, shedding tears and teaching us through it all. As one of God’s children, we need to help our brothers and sisters in Christ remain hopeful and faithful when life gets hard. God’s grace is available always, and we need to tap into His strength when we feel weak. The body of Christ is a wonderful thing, and we can work together to further the Gospel message within and without our church walls. Our society is very individualized these days, but we need to be together in unity and connect in fellowship so that we don’t become discouraged. This was Paul’s message to these Ephesus elders. This is still the message to us today.
Paul then committed this group to God and to His Word, which would be their source of encouragement and hope for the future. He reminded them that he had supported himself and even some of them with his work as a tentmaker, and they could follow his example of servant leadership as they helped their people at home. Such a great leader to follow, and we can learn a lot from him. Commit our churches to God and His Word, and rely on the Bible as our source of help and hope. Serve one another as we give of our time, talent and treasure, and use the gifts that God has given us for His Kingdom purposes. This is the ideal picture of a thriving church!
As Paul got ready to leave, he knelt in prayer with these friends, and they all embraced as they got ready to send him on his way. There were tears and kisses, and they were sad to think they may never see him again. They walked him to his ship, and most likely watched until is sailed off into the horizon. Prayer is such an important part of our lives as believers, and we need to pray for our leaders now, and for the next generation coming up. As less and less young people embrace traditional church attendance, we need to raise up those who will lead them to faith. Whether it is in the brick and mortar walls of a sanctuary or in a small home gathering, we need to find ways to reach these potential young disciples and share the good news with them in a way they will understand and embrace. Bill Hybels says the local church is the hope of the world, and this is still true today. Paul’s charge to the church at Ephesus is the same charge we can issues to the leaders in our churches. Shepherd the flock, serve one another, pray for the future, rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, and learn from God’s Word. Thanks be to God for teaching us through His Word!
Overflowing Hope 