Powerful Testimony
Note from Jesus Dear Disciple, I gave My life to bring God’s grace to you. As My disciple, I ask you to share My story of grace in your life with others. In the first verses you will read today, Peter tells early disciples who were facing challenging circumstances to be ready always to offer their “defense” for their hope in Me. The same admonition is true for you. You might call your “defense” your testimony. It is your reason for having hope in Me. Here are some questions to help prompt you as you think through your own “defense” or personal testimony: How does My story intersect your life to bring you hope? How does My grace change the way you feel about your future? How does My victory over sin, death, and hell give you the confidence to face your challenges? How does the Father’s love demonstrated by My incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection grab your heart? Where have you seen My blessings in your life? Certainly, there are more questions than these, but these should get you started as you prepare yourself to share! The longer reading in today’s verses comes from Paul’s trial before King Agrippa. Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem and was caught in a tangle of murder plots, legal delays, changes in leadership, and pressures to bribe his way to freedom. The grinding processes of the Roman legal system, Satan’s direct attacks, and unscrupulous people slowed down Paul’s appeal for freedom. Just as I had promised, Paul’s suffering for Me had a specific purpose. He addressed influential leaders he otherwise would have never been allowed to address (Acts 9:15-16; Acts 22:14-16). The Holy Spirit empowered Paul to say what needed to be said (Luke 12:11-12) so that the good news was preached to these influential leaders. Keeping your faith brimming with hope is hard when you are under fire. Persecution can drain faith of its steadfastness and rob hope of its vibrancy. I want you to know that I see, hear, and know of your challenges, your sufferings, and your trials. These adversities can come in all sorts of forms. Some of My disciples are facing torture and death this very day because of their faith. Others face ridicule while others are being ostracized or marginalized. All of these situations, along with your specific circumstances, are important to Me. I will not forget what you endure for My sake (Luke 12:6-7; Hebrews 6:10; Revelation 14:13). You are not forgotten! I will remember your faithfulness. Hard times do not come upon you because you are unimportant. You do not face them because you have been forgotten. Throughout history, I have used the testimony of My faithful disciples under persecution to soften the hearts of hostile leaders. I have used their examples of courage to strengthen other disciples. I have used their character while suffering to change public opinion about My people and their faith. In the midst of your trials, even in the most painful moments of your persecutions, remain true to Me. In the most belittling moments of ostracism and ridicule, remain faithful. Hang on to your hope in Me. Hold fast to My message of grace and ultimate victory. Remain true to the character and compassion you have as one of My followers. As you persevere, look for an opportunity to share the reason for your hope in Me. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of those around you who are desperately yearning to know the Father’s grace. Be ready to share your hope through both your words and your actions. As you do, please know that the Holy Spirit’s power and direction will work through you. You may not see immediate results, but know that your efforts will not be in vain! Verses to Live Folks in your day tell others in hard times to “hang in there.” For those facing trials, this phrase of encouragement can feel hollow and perfunctory. However, the two witnesses who speak to you through these verses that follow put their lives on the line to share these messages with you. These are words from the front lines of faith in the face of danger. Life is on the line. Both Peter and Paul will ultimately give their lives because of their faith. So take their words to heart. As you do, be encouraged to do two things. First, commit to being faithful under trial as you look for an opportunity to share the reason for your hope in Me. Second, pray for your brothers and sisters who are in hostile places and whose lives are on the line because of their faith. Why would anyone harm you if you eagerly do good? Even if you should suffer for doing what is right, you will receive a blessing. Don’t let them frighten you. Don’t be intimidated, but exalt Him [Jesus Christ] as Lord in your heart. Always be ready to offer a defense, humbly and respectfully, when someone asks why you live in hope. Keep your conscience clear so that those who ridicule your good conduct in the Anointed [in Christ] and say bad things about you will be put to shame. For if it is the will of God that you suffer, then it is better to suffer for doing what is right than for doing what is wrong. (1 Peter 3:13-17) Agrippa (to Paul): Go ahead. You may speak for yourself. Paul (extending his hand): I am indeed fortunate to be standing before you, King Agrippa, to humbly defend myself against accusations from my Jewish opponents. You are extraordinarily familiar with Jewish customs and controversies, so I beg your patience as I begin. My way of life is well known to the whole Jewish community, how I have lived in the Jewish community abroad and in Jerusalem. If they are willing to speak, they themselves will tell you something they have long known — that I was a member of the strictest
Today’s Verse – Jeremiah 9:24
“Let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD. —Jeremiah 9:24 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… This passage from Jeremiah reminded God’s people of two truths about the LORD’s character — truths we should display in our lives, as well: God exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness. God delights when he sees these aspects of his character alive in us. Let’s be more like our heavenly Father as we commit to a lifestyle of kindness, justice, and righteousness. Why? Because we should have no greater joy than to bring delight to the Father by becoming more like him in how we live and treat others around us each day! My Prayer… Almighty and Holy God, may my life delight you and bring you joy. However, I know my character falls short of your standards of kindness, justice, and righteousness — these qualities you have demonstrated over the ages. So, please help me as I seek to please you and bless others by living more consistently aligned with your values displayed in Jesus. Thank you for giving me the Holy Spirit, who is transforming me increasingly to be more like my LORD, in whose name I pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Navigating Political Minefields
Note from Jesus Dear Precious One, Each of My disciples is precious to Me. I hate for any of them to have to go through unfair trials and difficulties. Unfortunately, the world in which My disciples live is filled with all sorts of twisted people. These people abuse politics and laws to suit themselves. They try to extort money from the innocent. They make decisions to curry favor rather than to deliver justice. I remind you that My trial was an awful miscarriage of justice. My execution was government-sponsored murder. The whole situation was politically motivated and not based on truth. My few believers in influential Jewish circles feared reprisal for their faith, so they remained silent in the face of all the abuses of the law and justice. Notice this fear of rejection among the Jews during the last week before My crucifixion: Despite all the signs He [Jesus the Anointed] performed, they [the people in the crowd] still did not believe in Him. … Yet many leaders secretly believed in Him but would not declare their faith because the Pharisees continued their threats to expel all His followers from the synagogue; here’s why: they loved to please men more than they desired to glorify God. (John 12:37; John 12:42-43) Without anyone to insist on a fair trial, the Jewish leaders tried me illegally. They seized Me at night having paid Judas to betray Me. The trial was held at night away from the people. The testimony used against Me was untrue and provided by false witnesses. When the Sanhedrin pronounced Me guilty, they sent Me to Pilate (Matthew 26:47-67; Matthew 27:1-2). Pilate recognized almost immediately that I was innocent, yet tried to gain political leverage by having Me go before Herod. I was pronounced innocent by Pilate, but he appeased the crowd by releasing a hardened criminal named Barabbas rather than releasing Me. Pilate then had Me scourged trying to calm the crowd. When this appeasement didn’t work, Pilate handed Me over to be crucified (Matthew 27:11-26). So yes, precious disciple, I experienced injustice — a total miscarriage of justice. When under trial, I do want you to remain a person of holy character. I also want you to look for an opportunity to share My good news with influential people even when being treated unjustly. However, I don’t want you to suffer unjustly if you can legally prevent this unfairness from happening. One of the many reasons that Paul was effective as My apostle to the Gentiles was that he was a Roman citizen. This citizenship gave Paul specific rights that protected him many times during his life of ministry. I want you to notice in the verses below that Paul exercised his legal rights as a Roman citizen to protect himself and his ministry. Another example was Paul using his citizenship to obtain an acknowledgement that he and his associates had been treated unlawfully in Philippi (Acts 16:35-40). Verses to Live Today’s verses share some of the intrigue, political maneuvering, and treachery that led Paul to use his legal rights to protect himself and his ministry. Please know that I want you to do the same. Be a person of holy character and faith. Trust in the Holy Spirit to give you words to say but use every legal right to protect yourself and your ministry. I will be at work to redeem your situation (Romans 8:28). Felix was quite knowledgeable about the Way. He adjourned the preliminary hearing. Felix: When Lysias the commandant comes to Caesarea, I will decide your case. He then ordered the officer to keep Paul in custody, but to permit him some freedom and to allow any of his friends to take care of his needs. A few days later, Felix sent for Paul and gave him an opportunity to speak about faith in the Anointed One. Felix was accompanied by his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. As Paul spoke of justice, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became fearful. Felix: That’s enough for now. When I have time, I will send for you again. They had a number of conversations of this sort; but Felix actually was hoping that, by having frequent contact with him, Paul might offer him a bribe. As a favor to the Jews, he did nothing to resolve the case and left Paul in prison for two years. Then Felix completed his assignment as governor, and Porcius Festus succeeded him. Three days after arriving in the province, Festus traveled south from Caesarea to Jerusalem. The chief priests and Jewish leaders still had a plan to kill Paul and gave a report to Festus about their unresolved grievances against Paul. They suggested that as a favor to them, Festus should move Paul to Jerusalem. Of course, this was part of the plan to set an ambush for Paul and kill him en route. Festus instead offered to reopen the case. He would be going back to Caesarea soon. Festus: So let your leaders accompany me, and bring your accusations against the man. Eight or ten days later, Festus returned to Caesarea, and the next day he took his seat in court. He ordered Paul to be brought before him. The Jewish opponents from Jerusalem immediately surrounded Paul and from all directions bombarded him with all sorts of serious charges, none of which could be proven. Paul (quietly and simply): In no way have I committed any offense against Jewish law, against the Jewish temple and all it represents, or against the emperor. Here Festus saw an opportunity to do just the favor Paul’s Jewish opponents had requested. Festus: Would you like to have your trial in Jerusalem? I’d be willing to try your case there. Paul: If I had committed a capital offense, I would accept my punishment. But I’m sure it’s clear to you that I have done no wrong to the Jews. Since their charges against me are completely empty, it would be wrong
Today’s Verse – Mark 9:23
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” —Mark 9:23 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… A desperate father came to Jesus with a request for help and said, IF you can, Jesus, please help! IF? IF! Jesus told the desperate father everything is possible for the person who believes. We say we believe that our Father in heaven will act for our best eternal good and the eternal best good of our loved ones in need as we love him and follow his purposes in our lives (Romans 8:28). We say that we believe, so let’s ask in faith with a commitment like that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These three friends believed that God could spare them from the fiery furnace and confidently told King Nebuchadnezzar, “We serve a God who is able to deliver us, but even if he does not, we will not worship other gods who are false!” (Daniel 3:16-18) Let’s be committed to the enormity of what’s possible for us in Jesus when we believe! My Prayer… Now to our God, who we believe can do exceedingly and abundantly more than we can ask or imagine, to that God be glory, both now as well as forever and ever. In the glorious name of Jesus, we praise you. Amen. (Prayer adapted from Ephesians 3:20-21) All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
‘You Will Do the Same in Rome!’
Note from Jesus Dear Follower, Roman soldiers saved Paul from being beaten to death by an angry Jewish mob. The mob had mistakenly thought he had taken a Gentile named Trophimus into the Jewish-only portion of the Temple. The people in the crowd were “out of their heads mad” at Paul. They raged at him and began to beat him until the Roman soldiers intervened, picked him up and carried him to safety (Acts 21:27-36). Paul asked to speak to the crowd, and they quieted down when he spoke to them in their native language. They followed his message intently until he talked about Jesus sending him to “outsiders” (Gentiles). At the mention of that one word, they went berserk again (Acts 22:1-23). They were determined to kill him. Their plots during the next several stages of Paul’s twisted path through the Jewish and Roman legal system provide a back-story that should repeatedly remind you that Paul’s life was in jeopardy almost daily. Under this incredible pressure and scrutiny, Paul repeatedly gave his testimony and kept his head when most people around him went mad with anger and hatred. Paul used his Roman citizenship to preserve his life, appeal for justice, prevent beatings, and ultimately get to Rome. Despite all the threats and attempts on his life, My promise sustained him until he arrived in Rome: “Keep up your courage, Paul! You have successfully told your story about Me in Jerusalem, and soon you will do the same in Rome.” Verses to Live My intervention repeatedly preserved Paul’s life; also, his cunning maneuvers, quick wit, and use of his Roman citizenship brought him safely to Rome. Safely! Despite the threats, plans, and attempts on his life. Safely! Despite being a prisoner and being caught in a shipwreck. Safely! Despite a potentially deadly viper bite. Never forget that I AM at work in your life too. I want you, like Paul, to use all the tools at your disposal to secure your freedom, to protect your life, and to safeguard the ministry entrusted to you. I have given you your abilities, so use them in My service. If the journey is hard, please remember these words of My great apostle, Paul. His journey to Rome proves these words are true. Now I’m sure of this: the sufferings we endure now are not even worth comparing to the glory that is coming and will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18) As you read about Paul’s journey, remember My promises… both to Paul and to you. Your goal isn’t Rome as Paul’s was; but glory awaits for you! They [the crowd Paul was addressing] were listening quietly up until he mentioned the outsiders. Crowd (shouting): Away with him! Such a man can’t be allowed to remain here. Kill him! He must die! Chaos broke out again. People were shouting, slamming their coats down on the ground, and throwing fistfuls of dust up in the air. The commandant ordered the soldiers to bring Paul to the barracks and flog him until he confessed to whatever he had done to stir up this outrage. Back at the barracks, as they tied him up with leather thongs, Paul spoke to a nearby officer. Paul: Is this legal — for you to flog a Roman citizen without a trial? The officer went and spoke to the commandant. Officer: What can you do about this? Did you know this fellow is a Roman citizen? Commandant (rushing to Paul’s side): What’s this? Are you really a Roman citizen? Paul: Yes. Commandant: I paid a small fortune for my citizenship. Paul: I was born a citizen. Hearing this, those who were about to start the flogging pulled back, and the commandant was concerned because he had arrested and bound a citizen without cause. He still needed to conduct an investigation to uncover the Jews’ accusations against Paul. So the next day, he removed the ties on Paul and called a meeting with the chief priests and council of elders. He brought Paul in and had him stand before the group. Paul stared at the council and spoke. Paul: Brothers, I have always lived my life to this very day with a clear conscience before God. Ananias the high priest signaled those standing near Paul to hit him on the mouth. Paul: You hypocrite! God will slap you! How dare you sit in judgment and claim to represent the law, while you violate the law by ordering me to be struck for no reason? Bystanders: The nerve of you insulting the high priest of God! Paul: I’m sorry, my brothers. I didn’t realize this was the high priest. The law warns us to not curse the ruler of the people. Paul noticed that some members of the council were Sadducees and some were Pharisees, so he quickly spoke to the council. Paul: Brothers, I am a Pharisee, born to a Pharisee. I am on trial because I have hope that the dead are raised! That got the two parties arguing with one another because the Sadducees say there is no such thing as resurrection, heavenly messengers, or spirits, and the Pharisees believe in all three. Soon these leaders were shouting, and some of the scholars from the party of the Pharisees rose to their feet. Pharisees: There is nothing wrong with this man. Maybe he really has encountered a spirit or a heavenly messenger. The two parties were about to start throwing punches, and the commandant was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces, so he sent in his soldiers to intervene. They took Paul back into custody and returned him to their barracks. That night the Lord came near and spoke to him. The Lord: Keep up your courage, Paul! You have successfully told your story about Me in Jerusalem, and soon you will do the same in Rome. (Acts 22:22-30; Acts 23:1-11) Response in Prayer I trust in You, O God. I trust in You even in the
Today’s Verse – 1 Corinthians 9:22
To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. —1 Corinthians 9:22 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Christ left heaven, became one of us, endured the worst from us, and served us to save us. Paul sacrificed everything to share the Gospel with both Jews and Gentiles and be able to save some. What have we done… what have we left… what have we given up… what have we endured… what have we done to become someone better able to share Jesus with those we love, know, or influence? Even more, what have we done to reach the lost, whom we don’t know, and who are not like us so that they can follow Jesus? Let’s do whatever it takes to follow Paul’s example and his description of Jesus as his example: In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:5-8). My Prayer… Father of mercy, God Almighty, so rich in steadfast love, please give me eyes to see those around me who need Jesus, empower me with the courage and the humility to share his grace, and bless me with the sense of timing to share Jesus with them when they are ready to know of his love. I want to do everything possible to win as many as possible, especially those whose hearts are ready to know Jesus. In his name, I pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Arrested to Serve and to Save
Note from Jesus Dear Disciple, Paul’s long anticipated return to Jerusalem finally happened. He arrived in Jerusalem accompanied by Christians from the churches in Asia Minor and Europe. They came with Paul to bless their impoverished Jewish brothers and sisters in Christ and to be able to report back to their churches that the contributions for the poor in Jerusalem were used as intended. Along the way, Paul had been repeatedly warned by friends and by the Holy Spirit that trouble, hardship, danger, and arrest awaited him (Acts 20:22-25; Acts 21:4; Acts 21:10-14). In an attempt to keep the peace with the Jewish people of Jerusalem and to preserve the fragile peace the Jewish Christians enjoyed with their fellow Israelites, Paul followed a suggestion that James and the elders in Jerusalem made. He went to the temple with other Jewish Christians to show he still respected his heritage. However, some people from Asia Minor who hated Paul were at the temple. They had previously seen Paul with a fellow named Trophimus, who was a Gentile from Ephesus. They wrongly assumed Paul had taken Trophimus into the Jewish-only portion of the temple compound. A Gentile in this portion of the temple was an offense punishable by death under both Roman and Jewish law. So in their fury, they seized Paul. They screamed for others to help them beat Paul to death. Roman soldiers rushed to the scene and arrested Paul. However, the riot had grown so intense that the soldiers had to carry him to safety. Paul had invested so much of himself in the Gentile churches’ collection for the poor Jewish Christians of Jerusalem. He had so hoped that this act of generosity would tear down the walls of race and prejudice that divided My church in many places in that day. Unfortunately, because of Paul’s association with Gentiles, his attempts at reconciliation blew up in his face as an ugly riotous mob of non-Christian Jews tried to kill him. Years earlier, on My last trip to Jerusalem before My crucifixion, I warned My disciples repeatedly about the hostile rejection, arrest, and crucifixion that awaited Me. Paul and others had warned that he would be rejected and arrested in Jerusalem. Just as I had gone to the temple to honor the Father, so had Paul. Just as I had met with the hostility of the people in the temple, so had Paul. What I said on My trip to Jerusalem still rang true in Paul’s day: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. And now, look, your house is abandoned and desolate. For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you say, “Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 23:37-39 NLT) My lament is similar to Paul’s words you read previously from the book of Romans — words that partially explain why Paul went to Jerusalem despite facing rejection and possible death. He wrote: With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed — cut off from Christ! — if that would save them. (Romans 9:1-3 NLT) Paul’s trip to Jerusalem wasn’t made because he was foolhardy or had a death wish. Paul went there because of the love he had for non-believing Jews, because of his desire to unite the world Christian movement beyond racial lines, and because he wanted to help impoverished Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. I share all this because I want you to notice that sometimes things don’t turn out as you would want. This undesired result can be true even when you have the best of motives. This outcome was true for Me on My last trip to Jerusalem. It was also true for Paul on his last trip to Jerusalem. Despite the disappointments and the apparent failure of Paul’s mission, the Holy Spirit worked to bring great good out of this awful situation. The Spirit used this shocking turn of events to enable Paul to testify before rulers and authorities and ultimately to get to Rome. So please, don’t give up in despair when your best efforts and your finest intentions end up in a mess. Satan wants to use your mess to destroy you. But I AM at work even when circumstances suggest that I have abandoned you. The Father is working for your good even when you can’t immediately see that good. Paul’s words of assurance ultimately were proved true for him on this visit to Jerusalem, and ultimately they will be proved true for you: We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan. From the distant past, His eternal love reached into the future. You see, He knew those who would be His one day, and He chose them beforehand to be conformed to the image of His Son so that Jesus would be the firstborn of a new family of believers, all brothers and sisters. Romans 8:28-29 What Paul promised to you, I accomplished and proved true for him. But that, My dear disciple, will be shown in more detail in our subsequent days together as we continue to remember Paul’s journey to Rome! Verses to Live Luke told this account of Paul’s arrest very matter-of-factly. So I want you to let your imagination catch you up into this story. Imagine yourself as one of the angry mob. How do you feel believing Paul had desecrated the holy temple of YHWH (the Hebrew for the name of God)? Imagine yourself as
Today’s Verse – Matthew 9:21
[A desperate and lonely woman who had been ill for years came to Jesus for healing after spending all her money on doctors who could not help her.] She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” —Matthew 9:21 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… The woman who said this to herself knew ostracism and loneliness because of her twelve-year bout with an illness that made her unclean under Jewish law. Her condition imprisoned her and made her life nearly unlivable socially, physically, and religiously. Just as Jesus freed her from her prison (vs. 22), he also longs to free you from yours. What holds you captive? Jesus longs to give you freedom through at least five gifts: The Scriptures to help you know God’s will and protect yourself from harm. Your surrender to his lordship as you let him lead you. Your cleansing from sin, guilt, and shame. The gift of the Holy Spirit to empower you, help you overcome sin, and become more like Jesus. His family of brothers and sisters to support you, encourage you, help you, and hold you accountable to your commitment to him. These are five of God’s precious keys to freedom. So, dear friend, in your heart, “touch his cloak” by reaching out to him, confessing him as your Savior, and honoring him as your LORD. My Prayer… Father, I pray today for all those who need deliverance from the evil one’s grip in whatever form he has in their lives. I confidently pray in Jesus’ mighty and holy name, asking that you, the LORD of all creation, to break the bonds that hold each of our readers captive to the evil one. Amen All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
The Heart of a Shepherd
Note from Jesus Dear Precious Disciple, Paul was finally on his way back to Jerusalem. His trip had been delayed because of the plots against his life. So he had gone back through Macedonia on his way to Troas instead of going to the province of Asia or straight to Syria. He also wanted to be with people he knew, loved, and trusted. He departed for Troas alone. He had sent Luke and his companions, along with the representatives from the congregations in Macedonia and Greece, ahead of him. These men were traveling with the special contributions from their congregations for needy brothers and sisters in Jerusalem. Rather than go back through Ephesus where enemies were planning to kill him, Paul sent word for the Ephesian elders, the older male leaders of the church, to meet him at Miletus. This meeting was full of emotion. Paul reminded these brothers of his own way of life and how much he risked to share the good news of the kingdom with them. He reminded them that he personally taught them in their homes and in public venues. He hadn’t changed his message to protect himself but shared everything they needed to hear. Paul told the elders that despite knowing he faced danger, arrest, and persecution, he had to go to Jerusalem. His life was not worth anything to him if he did not fulfill his calling: The only value I [Paul] place on my life is that I may finish my race, that I may fulfill the ministry that Jesus our King has given me, that I may gladly tell the good news of God’s grace. He warned the Ephesian elders he would not see them again. He also warned them, as shepherds of the church that I bought with My blood, that false teachers would try to mislead the people — the flock of the Father — under their care. Through the emotion of the moment, he wanted them to recognize their high calling and feel their great responsibility. In this meeting with its deep emotion, Paul charged these leaders to be good shepherds — pastors. He told them to watch out for each other. He told them to shepherd and protect the flock of My sheep entrusted to their care. They must serve selflessly as Paul had served them. Then with a prayer filled with tears, these beloved brothers walked Paul to his ship and said goodbye. A disciple’s life is filled with goodbyes. Some of these goodbyes are the inevitable ones when losing someone in death. The loss hurts, but if that person is one of My disciples, the parting is only temporary. Some of these goodbyes are necessary because of My call on a disciple’s heart to fulfill a mission for Me. While this parting may lead to a final goodbye on earth, I can assure you that no one who faithfully does work in My name will lose his or her reward. Victory is assured. Reunion is certain. The future of each faithful servant is directly connected to My future. So while goodbyes may be filled with tears, remember that they are also filled with My promises of victory and reunion! Verses to Live Please read through these verses several times. On the first pass, notice the language of deep emotion and recognize how important it was for Paul to share this final message with these church leaders. The second time, look at the examples Paul gave of selfless ministry in his own life to guide these shepherds in their leadership. Finally, feel the strong pull of Paul’s sense of mission as it led him to face hardship and difficulties. As you read through this the final time, ask yourself what you are called to do with such emotion, urgency, and conviction! Again Paul wanted us to split up. He wanted to go by land by himself [from Troas] while we went by ship to Assos. There he came on board with us, and we sailed on to Mitylene. From there we sailed near Chios, passing by it the next day, docking briefly at Samos the day after that, then arriving at Miletus the following day. This route kept us safely out of Ephesus and didn’t require Paul to spend any time at all in Asia, since he wanted to arrive in Jerusalem quickly — before Pentecost, he hoped. In Miletus he sent word to the church in Ephesus, asking the elders to come down to meet with him. When they arrived, he talked with them. Paul: We will have many memories of our time together in Ephesus; but of all the memories, most of all I want you to remember my way of life. From the first day I arrived in Asia, I served the Lord with humility and tears, patiently enduring the many trials that came my way through the plots of my Jewish opponents. I did everything I could to help you; I held nothing back. I taught you publicly, and I taught you in your homes. I told everyone the same message — Jews and Greeks alike — that we must turn toward God and have faith in our Lord Jesus the Anointed. Now I feel that the Holy Spirit has taken me captive. I am being led to Jerusalem. My future is uncertain, but I know — the Holy Spirit has told me — that everywhere I go from now on, I will find imprisonment and persecution waiting for me. But that’s OK. That’s no tragedy for me because I don’t cling to my life for my own sake. The only value I place on my life is that I may finish my race, that I may fulfill the ministry that Jesus our King has given me, that I may gladly tell the good news of God’s grace. I now realize that this is our last good-bye. You have been like family in all my travels to proclaim the kingdom of
Today’s Verse – Luke 9:20
“But what about you?” [Jesus asked his disciples]. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” —Luke 9:20 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Many people had and still have widely varying opinions about Jesus’ identity. The real issue, however, is what YOU believe about Jesus and who Jesus reveals himself to be. What you decide about the identity of Jesus as God’s Son, the LORD and Christ, the Messiah of Israel, means everything for you (Romans 10:9-13) and those you seek to influence. So, please listen again to Jesus’ question to his disciples as if he is asking it of you: “Who do you say I am?” I pray that your answer is the same as Peter’s: “The Christ (the Messiah) of God.” Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus, who is my LORD (Philippians 2:10-11), Savior (John 4:42), friend (John 4:14-15), and older brother (Hebrews 2:11, 14) in your family. I praise you for sending him to reveal yourself to us. I thank you for demonstrating your love for us through his death, burial, and resurrection. I do believe that Jesus is the Christ, your chosen Messiah, the Son of the Living God, and the only Savior who can bring freedom, pardon, cleansing, and complete salvation. Thank you! In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.