Daily Readings - Tue May 30 2017
Acts
17From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.18When 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.19I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews.20You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.21I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.22"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.23I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.24However, 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.25"Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again.26Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men.27For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.
Sermon
In today's reading from Acts 20:17-27, Paul bids farewell to the Ephesian elders, reflecting on his ministry with humility and resolve. He recounts his time with them, highlighting his unwavering commitment to preach the Gospel despite facing trials and tribulations. Paul expresses his determination to continue his mission to Jerusalem, acknowledging the hardships ahead yet trusting in God's plan.
The context of this passage is Paul's journey to Jerusalem, where he anticipates facing imprisonment and persecution. He emphasizes his role as a servant of the Lord, dedicated to spreading the message of repentance and faith. Paul's farewell is not just a personal reflection but a call to the elders to remain faithful and committed to their own ministries.
In our daily lives, we can draw inspiration from Paul's example. His humility and perseverance remind us to stay grounded in our faith, even when faced with challenges. We are called to embrace our own missions with dedication, trusting in God's guidance. The moral lesson here is the importance of perseverance and humility, trusting that our efforts, though difficult, are part of a greater divine plan. Let us strive to emulate Paul's spirit, committing ourselves to our faith and trusting in God's will.