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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
Acts 20:16f. Paul wanted to be back in Jerusalem for Pentecost, one of the most overlooked seasons of the year in the Church of Jesus Christ. It is significant to read of what the New Testament regards as important - Passover - Pentecost - bread and wine - do this in remembrance of ME.
Paul realises that he is not going to be able to re-visit the Ephesian Church, so he sends for the elders, and the come immediately. O, for men like this - sent for - and appearing - laying aside whatever other commitments they might have had. There is the note of urgency and immediacy. It didn't matter what they were doing - or what they had planned - Paul said "Come", and they arrived.
We read of this amazing challenge - one city - one church - one group of elders. Is this not something to aim for? With all the opposition, hazards and dangers at that time there was this unity among the leadership. Will that ever return?
Paul has this final meeting with these leaders - men who have been born again in the fullest biblical sense - with nothing omitted - truly believing in Jesus - baptised in water - and Paul made certain that they were baptised in the Holy Spirit - and when that happened they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Paul begins to open his heart to them. These are among the most moving words Paul utters. He says - you know me well - I was with you for two years - you have seen my life - you know what kind of man I am.
Here again we see something of Paul's sincerity and graciousness - his tenderness and compassion. He has a real deep concern for their welfare and well-being - and that of the believers in the Fellowship.
I served the Lord with great humility and tears - not many could use such words of themselves and have God say - "What you say is so true we are placing that in the Book."
In this brief section there is such profound spiritual truth that I call you to consider these matters - unity within the body of Christ - obedience to spiritual leadership - serving the Lord God with humility and tears. Just ask yourself - how long is it since you wept in prayer - over the lost - over those who are starving or suffering abuse? How long is it since you wept in prayer over the disunity within the Body of Christ - and what can we do about it? God would have us be disciples who minister with concern and compassion.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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