Fan the Flame - a Journey Through ActsSample

Day 43 - Pastor & People

At the end of his third missionary journey, on his way back to Jerusalem, Paul’s ship docked at Miletus, on the west coast of modern Türkiye. He had previously spent three years pastoring the church at Ephesus, about 50 kms to the north, and so he sent for the elders of the Ephesian church to meet him in Miletus. In days when you couldn’t just jump into your air-conditioned car and drive down the highway, these people from the Ephesian church made the journey (perhaps in an ox-drawn cart, courtesy of the Roman postal service) to meet up with a pastor whom they dearly loved.

Not that Paul’s time in Ephesus had been easy (Acts 19; 20:18-19, 34-35). He served with humility and tears, amid severe testing by his opponents. He wasn’t in any sense a “big shot” (Christian ministry is no place for big shots!). But he was deeply conscious of his obligations to the Lord who had saved him, he preached the gospel faithfully, and he didn’t hold anything back that would be helpful to his people.

And they loved him for it! Paul’s time in Ephesus challenges us to examine our own stewardship of God’s gifts. And his farewell to Christ-followers in Ephesus challenges us to stand together and to be vigilant when it comes to protecting our Christian community from the attacks made against it.

What has God entrusted to you (gifts, resources, experience, relationships, time), and how are you using these for his kingdom?

Let’s pray together: Lord, may I follow Paul’s example, serving with humility and perseverance. Help me to steward your gifts faithfully, sharing your love and truth with those around me.

Written by D Morcom