Daily Devotional

-May 27, 2021-

Good morning, happy Thursday,

-Let Nothing Move Us Or Keep Us From Our Mission-

“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

(Ephesians 20:24).

The day came for the Apostle Paul to say goodbye to the saints and elders of the church in Ephesus. He spent over three years there preaching and teaching the Word of God. He calls for the elders and shares with them words of warning and encouragement in Acts 20:17-38. It is never easy to say goodbye, especially to those we love so much in the body of Christ.

Paul uses his life an an example for the Ephesians to follow. In Acts 20:18-19, he says, “…You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Paul faced certain arrest, imprisonment and many trials ahead in Jerusalem but he was going despite this. None of that moved him; he was resolute in His commitment to Christ and to preaching the gospel. He did not consider his life dear to himself. The Lord Jesus said in Matthew 16:25, “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” Paul chose the latter and could truly say that his goal was “to finish his race with joy.” He later wrote to Timothy, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). He had no regrets and no looking back; he was beheaded by the Romans for his faith in Christ.

We, like Paul, cannot let anything move us: not the things happening in the world, not Satan’s opposition or attacks, and not our own fears, troubles, or doubts. Paul kept on going to the end. He had the burning passion to serve the Lord. He was the greatest apostle, preacher, teacher, and missionary in the history of the church. He gave all the glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I cannot wait to meet him in heaven.

The best advice Paul gave to the Ephesian elders is found in Acts 20:32, “So now brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” Live by the Word, obey the Word, teach and preach the Word. When we do we will not only survive, but we will thrive in this world. Don’t let anything or anyone move you, but keep looking to Christ and pressing on.

Have a blessed day serving the Lord with joy and running the race. Stay safe and healthy.

By His grace,

Dean