An Example

Hi sisters,

I was recently challenged by the apostle Paul as I was reading Acts. The challenge came from Acts 20.

Paul is on his way to Jerusalem and he knows that “imprisonment and afflictions await” him (vs 23). On his way, he requested the elders from the church of Ephesus to come and meet him so he could speak his final words to them. Verses 18-35 record that final conversation. What did Paul want to tell them in those final words?

He reminds them of his example among them and the example he gave them! I wrote down some highlights for myself.

One, he was utterly devoted to serving the Lord. “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (vs 24). His desire and passion in life was to testify to the gospel and finish the ministry God had given him. Would people say that about you and me? Would we count serving God among our life’s greatest passions and desires? Do we joyfully accept any ministry He gives us? (Remember the post “Entrusted.”)

Two, he served the Lord in any circumstance. “And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials” (18-19‬). Even with tears and trials, Paul’s commitment did not waver. Which implies that he experienced a spectrum of emotions, yet was not ruled by them. The Lord never told Paul (or any of us) that the race would be easy, but He said He would be with us. And He counts every tear along the way (see Psalm 56:8).

Three, Paul used any platform that was available. “teaching you in public and from house to house” (vs 20b). Has God given you a social media account? Then you have a public platform. Do you have a house/apartment/ dwelling? Then you have a private platform.

With Covid-19, many are discovering how to have distance gatherings. Other mandates simply require gatherings to be under 10 people and maintain social distancing. That’s the case for where I am. Therefore, I have the privilege of still seeing a few sisters in Christ as we discuss our readings from Isaiah and pray. We meet in one woman’s backyard. And it is sweet fellowship! I cannot help but think that this is how most of our brothers and sisters around the world gather: very small groups, usually no bigger than 15 so to avoid attention because worship of Jesus is illegal. Also, discipleship is still able to thrive because its nature is one-on-one. Maybe this pandemic will call us in Western cultures to think about what we believe is “necessary” for kingdom work.

Four, he refrained from any discrimination. “Testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ” (vs 21). Our allegiance is to the Kingdom of God first. We are brothers and sisters, equal in God’s eyes. Period.

Five, he was BOLD. “I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable . . . I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God . . . I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears” (from vs 20, 27, 31). Bold, bold, and bold again. What holds you back from sharing about Jesus, the gospel, or His Word? Fear of saying the wrong thing? Fear of rejection? Take heart! The Holy Spirit will guide you (See Luke 12:4-12). Still, accept the fact that failure will come. But God uses our failure to teach us. We can’t expect perfection. We get back up, continue to abide in God’s Word and in Jesus, and try again.

I pray you too will be challenged by Paul’s example. I pray you serve the Lord with utter devotion, in any circumstance, with any platform, without discrimination, and with boldness!