Subscription Lists
Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
In Acts 20 we are studying the tremendous detail which God gives us where Paul has this final and quite moving meeting with the elders of the Church in Ephesus. He is indicating to these elders how they are to serve in the Church of Jesus Christ. Paul is not afraid to show his emotions - as he shares how he wept - and by the end of the passage they are all weeping. These are first century men of God - apostles - prophets - elders.
In verse 22, he opens his heart some more. He is making his way towards Jerusalem and he knows there is going to be trouble. Courageously, he is prepared to face the persecution and hardship which awaits him. We must never forget the cross, or we could we be taken by surprise when it appears.
He doesn't know exactly what form this hardship is going to take, and that can be a good thing, but he discerns through the Holy Spirit that something is going to happen, and it is going to be sore and painful. Whatever it might be, Paul is prepared to face it in the strength of Jesus. Like Jesus His Saviour, Paul set his face to go to Jerusalem.
He is indicating - verse 24 - my life is not worth anything to me - I regard my life as of no value - I must just complete the job. Jesus has given me a job to do. The important thing is that I finish the course - remaining faithful to the very end. Notice how he received his ministry from the Lord Jesus Christ - and not from men.
Here is a man who has to say and do what Jesus Christ has called him to say and do.
Reading between the lines, you can almost hear these men of God trying to influence Paul - "You shouldn't do this. You shouldn't go there."
Verse 25. This man could not be persuaded to give in, give up, or compromise. I have preached to you but you shall see my face no more. You cannot make me change my mind. I leave you with a clear conscience. I am totally innocent. No man can accuse me. I have taught you everything that God wanted me to teach you.
If God has called you to preach or teach - expose the whole Word of God. Do not withhold parts of it because you might think it will be unhelpful or not appreciated. Our task and calling in God is to proclaim the whole Word, and leave the consequences to our Sovereign God to fulfil His perfect plans and purpose.
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.
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "Word from Scotland" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.