DAY 10 – More Blessed to Give Than Receive | Firm Foundation Devotional
Our text comes from an occasion when the Apostle Paul called for elders from Ephesus to join him at a place called Miletus. Ephesus was located in ancient eastern Greece and Miletus was located nearby in modern day Turkey.
Paul was on his way to Jerusalem. He wanted to give the church leaders some important instruction and encouragement. During the discourse Paul indicated that they would never see him again. What do you say to people you will never see again? You're going to say things that you believe are essential to leave with persons. The apostle Paul highlighted these priorities, among others:
1. Remember those who are weak. Paul was concerned about those who are vulnerable to neglect and abuse.
2. Follow the example of hard work and service he had shown them.
3. He reminded them of something that Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.“
These words of Jesus are not recorded in the Bible. The Apostle John wrote, "Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." Jesus did and said much more than we've read.
The Apostle Paul emphasized the importance of doing what we call "social justice," which is serving others from a heart of justice and righteousness towards God. In the church today, we don’t seem to have the same priority to help and protect the weak. It seems too much of the church today is more focused on gravitating towards powerful people, growing in fame, and amassing power.
Paul‘s final words to a group of leaders he would never see again in the First Century provides God's mandate to those of us who serve Christ in the 21st Century.
Reflection Question: What priorities and words of guidance would you communicate with significant others if you thought you might not see them again?
My Action Item(s) Based on Understanding:
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For a more in-depth study on matters of justice and righteousness, Get the book,
Biblical & Social Justice: What Is It?
Available in print, Kindle, Apple iBooks, and Digital Voice editions
