Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him.
Acts 20:17-38
Paul decided he wanted to be in Jerusalem for the Passover and that meant he would not go to Ephesus as he had planned. So, he sent word to the Ephesus church elders to meet him at the sea port of Miletus. Paul told the elders how, by faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit had worked through Paul to bring the gospel message to the Gentiles in Asia and Europe. Now, however, the Holy Spirit was leading Paul to go to Jerusalem even though persecution and imprisonment awaited him there. Paul’s testimony to them is that he only wishes to complete the course and ministry given to him by Christ and that his personal life is of no consequence. Paul tells them this is the last time they will see him in this life. Paul warns these godly men that wolves dressed as sheep will come among them to seek their destruction. Paul commends the men to the Lord for safekeeping. Paul urged the men to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Then, Paul knelt down with the elders and prayed with and for them. After a time of fellowship together, they followed Paul to the ship he was about to sail in to Jerusalem. Jesus continues to work in His church today in similar ways. Our church is in the process of having a new senior pastor, chosen by God, to come to our church because of the retirement of our senior pastor. The process has been through a lot of prayer and seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance. We cannot rush such a process for God works on His timetable, not ours. Perhaps, other Christians think that God moves slowly sometimes. But, we must remember that it is God’s creation and He controls every part of it and we are part of His creation. So, it is not ours to do on our own but, to seek the Lord and wait upon His movement in any given circumstance. Seek first the Lord and He will care for you.
Source: S C Ball July 29, 2023
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