September 6th - Acts 20:18-20

Acts 20:18-20 [Paul] 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. I served the Lord with great humility and with tears…You 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.” I want to tell you about something which regularly happens in our home. When my son leaves for work, I will naturally wish him well, and he always has exactly the same response: “I’ll do my best, Dad.” What is more, I know that he will. And that’s exactly what we’re reading in this passage today – Paul had done his best. Paul had spent three years with the church in Ephesus, which was a very long ministry for him. He clearly loved the people passionately and was always keen to take every opportunity to encourage them. On this particular occasion, he was eager to get to Jerusalem in time for Pentecost, so he decided not to travel to Ephesus but invited their leaders to make the 30-mile journey to the coast to meet him at Miletus. He knew that this was the last time he would speak with them, and it is a moving speech revealing his deep love for the people. Paul wasn’t perfect, and neither are we. But God looks to us, frail as we are, to do our best and, amazingly, our gracious and loving heavenly Father will take that and use it to His glory. Question Are you committed to doing your best for God today? Prayer Lord God, thank you that You are willing to take and use what I give to You today. Amen