FRIDAY October 22, 2021
A Farewell Discourse
From Miletus he [Paul] sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he said to them: “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....
Acts 20:17-19
On reflection, it is worth reading Paul’s last address to the elders of Ephesus found in Acts 20:17-35. He gave them the most beautiful, beautiful sermon. Paul wanted to share his last words with them.
Nearing the end of his third missionary journey, Paul was able to meet with the elders of his beloved Ephesian brethren one last time. Paul began his discourse in humility. He was not afraid to have anyone examine his life. While he lived among the Ephesians, he had kept his integrity.
Paul was not a proud person. He never tried to promote himself or bring glory to Himself. In his service to God, Paul was a humble person who remained in complete submission to Jesus Christ. He genuinely ministered to the needs of the believers in Ephesus. He had the heart and attitude of a real servant of God.
This tearful farewell on the shore of Miletus, a distance of 10 miles south of Ephesus, would be the last time Paul would ever see these beloved believers in Christ. Yet no matter the circumstances, they would always be a part of each other.
If we belong to Christ, we also belong to each other; if we have committed our lives to Him, we are also committed to each other. The reason is simple: we need each other.
~Billy Graham~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
