Scripture:
Acts20:24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Observation:
Though Paul has accomplished much, gone many places, led many people, even raised the dead, he never lost track of the goal. Finishing well. His mission from the road to Damascus was to testify of the Lords grace and to face much suffering because of it. He didn’t accept one part of his call and reject the other. He embraced his entire calling. Callings are both life giving and life draining. The calling of the gospel gives life to those who are dead and is also the process of losing life to those who are alive. The call to spread the gospel is a call to die to self, a call to suffer, and a call to sacrifice. The one in which we pursue led the way and gave the example, it was Paul’s mission to follow, as it is mine.
Application:
I needed this today. What an incredible reminder. Some days I can look back at all I have had the privilege of accomplishing and been a part of and just want to cash in, be done, to revel in the success of yesterday. However, I have a calling, to fulfill the great commission everyday of my life. To be devoted to making disciples, to pursue Jesus and to lead others to him. As I read of Paul’s travels I sense that he was tired, and could easily have recognized the great width of his impact, however he didn’t waiver from the original mission given to him by Jesus. No matter how much impact or success, he stayed his course and would count his life worth nothing if he didn’t finish his mission. This is for me.
A few things…
I need to wake up each day and revisit my call. If I don’t do this I will be satisfied by looking backwards.
Starting well, continuing well are important, but finishing well is the goal. May I remember this. There is still so much more to do, may this drive me.
My story needs to be the grace of God. My story isn’t church planting, strategies, church leadership, doctrine, book writing, community service, church expansion. My story is the grace of Jesus. No matter what, I want to grow in being seasoned in the grace of God. That is what I offer to people through the gospel. May your Grace be my story today. Let me lead with that!
Prayer:
Father, I needed this today. Coming after a day off in which I realized just how drained I was, you have made clear to me my purpose again. I don’t want to look back, I want to press forward. There is still so much to be a part of, so much to learn and so much more grace to experience and share. May your grace be my story and my fuel.