Acts 20 - 8.17.26

Scripture

Acts 20:24

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”

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Observation-What does it say?

Paul meets with the Ephesian Elders to say his “goodbyes” before he heads off to Jerusalem. He tells them that no matter the circumstances he was in, he didn’t shrink to tell them all that God wanted them to know. Paul is now going to be heading off to Jerusalem. He doesn’t know what awaits him there. But the Holy Spirit does tell him that jail and suffering awaits him in each city he will go to. Paul is not discouraged though. He knows that Jesus has given him a job to do and Paul will not be satisfied until he completes his task given to him by his Lord Jesus Christ. What was his task?.. To multiply Christ Followers everywhere by sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and the wonderful grace of God!

Application

Live a life investing in building God’s Kingdom, rather than my own.

I am challenged by the way Jesus and Paul lived their lives. They put all their pride aside to fulfill God’s will. They both gave up life’s comforts in order to fulfill God’s will. They both were put through beatings, mockery, and jailings because of it and here I am scared to share His Word with people or sometimes pray in public because I’m afraid others may think I’m weird! So today’s devotion reminds me to think about what Jesus and Paul went through. I’m reminded of what my brothers and sisters in Christ are risking in other parts of the world just by ministering to others. I am reminded that there is no higher calling in life than Jesus’ calling. At the end of the day, when I see Jesus face to face, I know I will be held accountable for the time He has given me on earth, and how I used that time helping others and building His Kingdom.

Prayer

Father God,

I am humbled by the fact that You gave up everything for me. You came down from Your throne and left the comforts of Heaven. You lowered Yourself to become man, flesh and blood, in the form of Jesus Christ. You could have easily used Your kingship and power to rule over this earth, but You chose instead to live a servant’s life and die a sinner’s death. You didn’t have to because You lived a perfect, sinless life. But, You wanted to because of Your great love for me and for the people of this world. For that I am forever grateful. I know there is nothing I can ever do to pay You back. All I can do is to make sure Your story is told and Your love is shown wherever I go. Give me the courage and boldness to do that no matter what I face today. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽 

-Moses Gaddi