Acts 20:24 AMP
[24] 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].
Yesterday, we considered the end of Paul's earthly ministry, and the declaration he made about his race, his fight and his reward. He did not get to that conclusion overnight; there were actions and decisions that he made that led to that conclusion. Paul had been saved, and then commissioned to minister among the Gentiles, and we know he was backed up by God. Miracles, signs and wonders were all parts of the manifestations of God's power in and through the life of Paul. It would have been easy for Paul to get comfortable with such a high level of impact, but for a man who spoke this way, just being applauded by man was not the focus. God had to be glorified in and through him to the end. That is the crown of a life that God uses: that this life is a vessel of honour, and God is able to shine in and out of it. Does this describe me in any way? Can I say, of a truth, that my life is one that God is pleased with?
Even in the face of certain persecution and opposition, Paul would not choose the easy way out of anything. At the time of the verse above, he was compelled by the Spirit and his convictions to go to Jerusalem. He knew that trouble was waiting for him there, yet he would press on. A life that is not submitted and surrendered fully will struggle. Even Jesus, the son of God, came to a point where He prayed to His Father that the coming cup of suffering will pass over Him, but He also knew the eternal value of obedience to the will of His Father. We stand where we are today because Jesus surrendered. As a child of God, I learn that there are no regrets if God is pleased with my life of sacrifice, surrender and service. Is there anything so mighty and powerful that it can take my eyes off the prize of heaven? Is there any price too high for me to pay, in order to secure eternal life with God and the reward of faithful service to the end?
Like Paul, I must know that the value of my life is determined by what I do for God, not really for myself. It is in service to God that I truly thrive. Let nothing/no one keep me away from the ministry God has committed into my care. Jesus births and sustains vision, and His provision will always be sufficient for the vision. Paul knew clearly who His audience was, and what the message was about. I must know who I have been sent to, and take counsel from God on what to say, and when to say it. After all, it is God's mission first and foremost. I am called to join Him at work, not to define the terms and conditions by myself. I keep my eye on the prize, and make sure that I am in line for the reward. I only get the reward if I run, walk, fight and work in line with the mandate of the One who sent me. The end indeed justifies the means. I ask God for grace for the race that has been set before me. God's time of favour is here.
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