SATURDAY October 23, 2021
Tears and Trials
...with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 20:19-21
As an Apostle of Jesus Christ, Paul endured many trials. The Jews were always scheming––trying to kill Paul. These men were known as Judaizers. They constantly wanted to take people back to the Law, while Paul was continuing to preach to them the grace of God. Even though Paul was persecuted and mocked by the Jews, he served God faithfully with many tears. He had a true shepherd’s heart.
Why did Paul shed so many tears in ministry? He cried for three different types of people. He cried for the non-believers––those who were not saved; and he cried for the carnal Christians––those who were not walking in submission to Jesus Christ. He also cried for the wolves––those bringing harm and division to the body of Christ. They tried to devour the flock of God. His farewell sermon reveals to us that there is a lot of heartache in the ministry––it is not easy.
Paul unashamedly preached the Gospel. He took the time to teach exegetically through the Word of God. He taught both publicly and from house to house. He made it his aim to give people the full counsel of God, so they could become rooted and grounded in God’s Word. He taught repentance and faith––so simple. What awesome words Paul used to testify to people about the grace of God.
Have you cried for people who you desire to see come to Jesus Christ? How often do you pray and shed tears for those you love? What about backsliders––those who have walked away from Christ––do you shed tears for them?
Tears shed for self are tears of weakness, but tears shed for others are a sign of strength.
~Billy Graham~
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