Leawood, Kansas, United States - The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Daily Guide grow. pray. study. for Saturday, 25 October 2014 "Paul's heartfelt farewell to the Ephesian elders"

Leawood, Kansas, United States - The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Daily Guide grow. pray. study. for Saturday, 25 October 2014 "Paul's heartfelt farewell to the Ephesian elders"
Daily Scripture: Acts 20:13-16 In the meantime, the rest of us had gone on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we planned to pick up Paul. Paul wanted to walk there, and so had made these arrangements earlier. Things went according to plan: We met him in Assos, took him on board, and sailed to Mitylene. The next day we put in opposite Chios, Samos a day later, and then Miletus. Paul had decided to bypass Ephesus so that he wouldn’t be held up in Asia province. He was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem in time for the Feast of Pentecost, if at all possible.
On to Jerusalem
17-21 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the leaders of the congregation. When they arrived, he said, “You know that from day one of my arrival in Asia I was with you totally—laying my life on the line, serving the Master no matter what, putting up with no end of scheming by Jews who wanted to do me in. I didn’t skimp or trim in any way. Every truth and encouragement that could have made a difference to you, you got. I taught you out in public and I taught you in your homes, urging Jews and Greeks alike to a radical life-change before God and an equally radical trust in our Master Jesus.
22-24 “But there is another urgency before me now. I feel compelled to go to Jerusalem. I’m completely in the dark about what will happen when I get there. I do know that it won’t be any picnic, for the Holy Spirit has let me know repeatedly and clearly that there are hard times and imprisonment ahead. But that matters little. What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God.
25-27 “And so this is good-bye. You’re not going to see me again, nor I you, you whom I have gone among for so long proclaiming the news of God’s inaugurated kingdom. I’ve done my best for you, given you my all, held back nothing of God’s will for you.
28 “Now it’s up to you. Be on your toes—both for yourselves and your congregation of sheep. The Holy Spirit has put you in charge of these people—God’s people they are—to guard and protect them. God himself thought they were worth dying for.
29-31 “I know that as soon as I’m gone, vicious wolves are going to show up and rip into this flock, men from your very own ranks twisting words so as to seduce disciples into following them instead of Jesus. So stay awake and keep up your guard. Remember those three years I kept at it with you, never letting up, pouring my heart out with you, one after another.
32 “Now I’m turning you over to God, our marvelous God whose gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need in this community of holy friends.
33-35 “I’ve never, as you so well know, had any taste for wealth or fashion. With these bare hands I took care of my own basic needs and those who worked with me. In everything I’ve done, I have demonstrated to you how necessary it is to work on behalf of the weak and not exploit them. You’ll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, ‘You’re far happier giving than getting.’”
36-38 Then Paul went down on his knees, all of them kneeling with him, and prayed. And then a river of tears. Much clinging to Paul, not wanting to let him go. They knew they would never see him again—he had told them quite plainly. The pain cut deep. Then, bravely, they walked him down to the ship.
Reflection Question:
As he set out for Jerusalem, Paul asked the Ephesian church elders to meet him in a nearby port city. He reviewed the essential principles of his time with them, and urged them to keep on serving Christ as faithfully as he always tried to. It was an emotional meeting. Paul had a strong sense that his enemies were likely to be stronger in Jerusalem than in any of the other cities where he had preached. The Ephesians wept as he told them, "I know that none of you will see me again."
Paul wrote to the Corinthians (again, probably from Ephesus) about a crisis in Asia in which he was afraid he might not survive (cf. 2 Corinthians 1:8-10). Luke didn't describe that crisis in Acts, but he quoted Paul as saying in this farewell speech, "I served the Lord with great humility and with tears in the midst of trials that came upon me because of the Jews' schemes" (verse 19). Then Paul added, "I'm going to Jerusalem. I don't know what will happen to me there. What I do know is that the Holy Spirit testifies to me from city to city that prisons and troubles await me" (verses 22, 23). Remember, people who change the world don't quit. Where is God calling you to exercise perseverance and hope in the face of difficulty right now?
Family Activity:
Paul taught people about the Holy Spirit, who was the ultimate source of his power. Explain to your family that the Holy Spirit is like the wind. They are both with us always, but we can't see them. However, we can see and feel what they are doing. Go outside for a walk together. Talk about the sounds and movements the wind is causing. Spend some time in prayer as you experience the wind. Remind everyone that the Holy Spirit is God's presence with us, and will only move in ways that are good and helpful to us. Encourage your family members to remember the Holy Spirit whenever they feel the wind. Thank God that the Holy Spirit is always at work bringing God's goodness to the world.
Today's Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for standing by Paul, whose life and writings bless and inspire me. Give me something of his courage and faith, as I do whatever you set before me. Amen
Insight from Mary Jones
Mary Jones is an eleven-year member of the Resurrection family, and served on staff for nine. Her greatest joy is serving with My Father’s House – Resurrection Furnishings Ministry alongside her husband Kevin and the many people there who are dedicated to building God’s Kingdom in Kansas City.
Stop! If you haven’t read today’s scripture yet, please do so now. You don’t want to miss Paul’s heart-felt and very powerful reflection of a life bent on serving Christ and sharing the gospel. In it is a call to action and discernment for those who will follow him. It is a foundational message for Christian leaders and teachers–and really for all of us because we are all given the privilege of making an impact in the lives of those in our circle of influence.
He gathers with the Ephesian leaders (the only speech Paul gave to Christians in the book of Acts) and lays out his Holy Spirit-led modus operandi. I have to admit I got a little emotional reading it, it is so powerful. I dug out a Bible Study I participated in years ago and found the notes I’d made on this passage. (Guess I thought I’d need it someday–turned out to be today!) It highlighted the five major points Paul makes.  First he lists Humility as being the first grace necessary in a Christian servant. “..serving the Lord with all humility with many tears and trials…” Those whom God uses most serve Him sometimes with tears, trials, temptations and opposition. Secondly, his diligence in his teaching “…I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you…going from house to house.” Thirdly Paul was prepared. “I have told you everything God wants you to know.” Paul learned the gospel in depth so that he could teach it in its fullness. Fourth, Paul showed love for the elders (teachers/leaders) and admonished them to be prepared to meet those who will challenge their faith walk. “…I commend you to God and to the word of His grace which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance.”  Fifth and finally, Paul kneels in prayer with the group. “…they all wept freely…knowing that they would see his face no more…and they accompanied him to the ship.”  Wow, what a powerful moment! From that old Bible Study: “This quality of love to their Lord, to each other, and to the needy world around distinguished the early Ephesian church.” What an impact Paul made!
Thank you to all who teach, and those in leadership positions. All of us have the privilege to invest in others and make an impact in our little corner of the world. This passage can help us do it better! A shout out to ‘old’ Bible study leader Lee who helped unfold this passage for our group years ago. Thankfully I’m a Bible Study pack rat. 
Dear Jesus, thank you for standing by Paul, whose life and writings blesses and inspire us. Please undergird those who teach and lead others in your name. Give us something of his courage and faith, as we joyfully do whatever you set before us. Amen.
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