Finishing Well!

Finishing Well!

But I do not consider my life as something of value or dear to me, so that I may [with joy] finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify faithfully of the good news of God’s [precious, undeserved] grace [which makes us free of the guilt of sin and grants us eternal life]. ACTS 20:24 AMP

Before today's extract, we read of Paul's enviable achievements and reputation. He was a well-read man, having studied under some of the most learned and revered men of his time. He was steeped in Judaism, knew all the law and it's requirements, was wealthy, connected, zealous and young: attributes that were perfect both for good and bad ends. Looking at the entirety of Paul's life, you find that to be true. Unfortunately, head knowledge is limited in its use when it comes to God. As much as man may place stock and value on it, man can only get close to discovering what God intends when the attitude aligns with Paul's attitude in today's extract.

Until I see my life as nothing outside of God, I will struggle to find relevance. Until I see my life as an outshoot of God's grace and power, I will struggle to make impact in my sphere of influence. You see, my life is a journey, with a definite start and a definite end, with definite milestones along the way. I get confused because I do not know all the parts of that journey, so sometimes, I strike out on my own, thinking I have it all figured out. Some other times, when I have been battered and bruised, I go back to God for restoration and renewal. What is very key is that I understand who I am and who I am working for. That understanding keeps me grounded, keeps me focused and keeps me on the right path of purpose.

The greatest blessing is the discovery, pursuit and fulfilment of divine purpose, not monetary acquisitions or popular appeal. For Paul, there was a clear conviction of what he was called by God to do. And for all who claim to know and follow Christ, we all have our assignments. None is irrelevant; all are parts of a unique whole; none is inspired or sustained by man, so the need to please or appeal to man does not arise. None can be determined or promoted by man, so the crave for applause and approval does not bear root. I exist simply at the pleasure of the owner of all life, and I work for and at the pleasure of the Master of the universe. That's the highest call to service, and a reminder that all I do now is a preparation for eternity.

And I go on with joy, because I know the great things that are ahead. I keep at it, knowing that God is glorified by my service. I keep at it, sure and certain that the grace that washed away my own sin and guilt is still very much in place today, free to all who realise their need and take hold of it. I take note of this final bit: the end of grace is eternal life. If I do not take hold of the grace, how do I lay claim to the life? If the path to life is through grace, how can I seek to enter through any other way? Nothing else will work, except what God has laid down, and I will do well to simply listen, heed and come to Him. His time of favour is here.