“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 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 both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 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, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for 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… 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, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive…’ I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’” Acts 20:18b-27,31b,35; 21:13b
Paul did not shrink from his call to preach, no matter the opposition. The whole time. With tears and trials. Did not cease. The Spirit of God had transferred his passion against Christians to one for Jesus and His people, and it showed day in, day out, in every city, in all things. Accusations, resistance, threats, even stoning would not stop his zeal for the One who’d saved him. He was a vibrant example to the early church in word, work, and prayer. Facing probable death, constrained by the Spirit, he blessed people with the commendation to pay careful attention, take seriously their responsibility before God in the church, and remain in His word of grace. (Acts 20:28-31a,32-34,36; 22:3-20)
Paul’s words resound for us today. We will spend time and energy on what we make priorities. If things of the world- financial success, being liked, knowledge, material goods- have captured our affection, we will be devoted to them to the ignoring or putting off of other activity. When the Spirit of God captivates our passion and set us on His course, we will value Him and His call above all else.
What have we bought into in life? What rules our night and day, emotions and drive? Have we shrunk back from early passion for Christ, or do we remain steadfast? It takes whole life surrender and buy-in to serve the Lord and His gospel.
What causes our zeal for the gospel to flag, and what will we do about it? Where have we succumbed to worldly pressures? Would we pray for the Lord to inspire fresh direction, humility, courage, and joy as we serve Him?
Lord, give me single-minded, whole-hearted zeal for You and Your gospel, for Your kingdom’s sake.
As the rain and snow 