The Pilgrim Path---Acts 20: 22 – 24

“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.”

“EPHESIAN ELDER FAREWELL / Part Two”

We get back to this remarkable passage. Paul is saying “so long” to so many he loved so well---from Ephesus. It had to be difficult (departures often are). But the Spirit of God has him bound to continue (v. 22). He knows that his method of ministry brings persecution and pain (often testifying to Jesus in the synagogues---first / trouble second). The Spirit has assured him this will continue (v. 23). We may pray for physical safety and “comfort” for Gospel laborers---but this is not always their path. At times one of the most powerful testimonies in their lives---is Christ’s support of them “in” and through---persecution and suffering. Then---we pray strength and perseverance for them---and that they will love their enemies well---by the power of the Gospel.boundto continue (v. 22). He knows that his method of ministry brings persecution and pain (often testifying to Jesus in the synagogues---first / trouble second). The Spirit has assured him this will continue (v. 23). We may pray for physical safety and “comfort” for Gospel laborers---but this is not always their path. At times one of the most powerful testimonies in their lives---is Christ’s support of them “in” and through---persecution and suffering. Then---we pray strength and perseverance for them---and that they will love their enemies well---by the power of the Gospel.

The Apostle Paul informs us in verse 24, “I do not account my life of any value.” Now the amazing disciple of Christ is not saying life is worthless---But that he did not count his life as precious to himself. His life was “all” for Jesus Christ the LORD. He had been transformed by HIM and he intended to finish life’s race well for HIM. My—my. We all have a course to “run” as the blood-bought, blood-washed Followers of Jesus Christ. No one can finish our course for us---we must do it by the grace of God. We must purpose in our heart each day to go on with HIM and for HIM.

Let me remind you as a pastor of several years---that some people die “in” the faith---having exhibited very little faith. There are saints who keep their distance from the Body---only showing minimal concern for the Church---that the Living Christ cares so much about. A few believers fall victim to a critical spirit---and they become a chore to entertain---for the rest of their days. A few of God’s people only seem to “appear” when they “want” something---they never contribute much of anything (except a few barbs here and there). How grand---for the saints who follow Paul’s example: serving with humility, tears---and enduring trials---all to the glory of God (Acts 20: 19). We will only get one opportunity to finish well.

How are you going to finish--- for King Jesus?

From J. I . Packer: The Life of Christian endurance is like a long-distance race. The race picture in the New Testament (I Cor. 9: 24 – 27; Gal. 5: 7; Phil. 2: 16; II Tim. 4: 7; Heb. 12: 1 – 3) is telling us two things: first, that perseverance is the only path to the prize of final glory, and second, that what perseverance requires is a sustained exertion of concentrated effort day in and day out---a single-minded, wholehearted , self-denying, flat-out commitment to praising and pleasing the Father through the Son as long as life lasts.

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the LORD, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” Second Timothy 4: 6 – 8

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason