“He sent to Ephesus and called the elders… [and] 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 trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying… of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ… 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. And now, I know that none of you among whom I have proclaimed the kingdom will see my face again… I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Pay careful attention… I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock… Therefore be alert… And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up… In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus.., “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”’
“And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.” Acts 20:17-21,24-25,27-29,31a,32,35-38
The Ephesian elders had been taught, guided, and enriched by Paul, and his farewell address to them evoked strong emotion. He had set a solid example of selfless, careful, powerful ministry, and expected them to carry forth with the same zeal in his absence. They’d soon be compelled to choose how to proceed.
We who know Christ have benefited from the teaching and modeling of others. We admire, we watch, we might envy, but we don’t see ourselves in their role. We can unwittingly grow dependent on another’s faith, insights, prayers, or leadership, and fear taking bold initiative ourselves.
But the Lord calls us to our own place and purpose, and to develop faith muscles that depend on Him alone. He removes past props to teach us to value Christ above all. He arranges circumstances to reorient us from former comforts to look ahead to the new and different He’s prepared. In mercy He warns us of impending challenges, and pledges His presence and Word.
How thoughtfully do we learn from past experiences and examples? Are there relationships and supports from former seasons we’re unwilling to release? Does the threat of certain opposition quash new vitality for God’s next assignment, or inspire deeper trust? Whom or what props has He removed to compel us forward?
Lord, help me gratefully and zealously apply past lessons by forging ahead in surrendered and passionate ministry that proclaims your gospel and magnifies Your sufficiency.
As the rain and snow 