Spend time in prayer and silence with God, asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. When they arrived, he said to them: “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews. You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught publicly from house to house. I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. And now compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the Gospel of God’s grace.”
– Acts 20:17-24
Devotion
Finally, Paul begins the long journey back to Jerusalem. On his way, he stopped in Miletus, a city near Ephesus. He gave a farewell message to the elders of the church of Ephesus, sensing in his spirit that he would never see them again. In his address to the Elders from Ephesus, he reviews his own work, he made no apology. His care for the flock was tenderly expressed. He instructs the Elders to keep watch over the flock and to protect them from “savage wolves” that would seek to destroy the flock of God. Paul’s only desire was to “finish the race and complete the task” which the Lord Jesus had given to him.
The Big Question
As you look back on your life and ministry, have you been faithful to carry out all that God has asked you to do? Have you run this race of life with perseverance? In the end, will you hear the words of the Lord: “Well done thy good and faithful servant?” What will it take for you to finish strong?
Conclude your time in prayer and silence, reflecting on what God revealed to you today.