Ministry Connections

Acts 20: 28 “So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders. 29 I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. 30 Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. 31 Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.

32 “And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself. 33 “I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. 34 You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me.35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

36 When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. 37 They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye. 38 They were sad most of all because he had said that they would never see him again. Then they escorted him down to the ship.

Paul has set his way to get to Jerusalem for one last time. Paul has been faithful in presenting the message of Jesus to Jews and Gentiles in the face of great opposition. A huge part of that opposition was in Ephesus and he meets with the elders of the church while he is in Miletus. Paul bypasses Ephesus to go on to Miletus, presumably by some which means he thought that his connection with them might keep him from finishing his course. He has such a burden for the church at Ephesus, and in meeting with those elders, he challenges them to keep the work going. Paul was connected with those people who had seen God do mighty things right alongside him. When you see God do great work and you have other believers experience the effects of that work, there is a ministry connection. That ministry connection was not the priority, and God led Paul to stay on the call Jesus gave him.

I've had an opportunity to have such ministry connections in a few churches where we prayed, seeded, and saw great fruit. There is a connection with the people who came on board and served together in that effort; that connection is a precious jewel of great value in our lives. It causes me to think that maybe that can happen again with that great group of called believers, but that may not be the main focus God wants. In verse 31, Paul warns those elders and tells them of his plans, and he really shows his heart to them. Verse 31 - 31 Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.

Paul knew there was a tendency for others who are not so committed to the task at hand to distract those who are leaders. That would be disastrous and Paul did not want them to lose ground because of a changed vision or purpose. He left strong instructions with the leaders to hold to the truth and not get distracted. The truth is we see that Paul's calling was bigger than just Ephesus, but Ephesus was a place of answered prayers and the gospel made an impact. If you wonder how close that church was to the heart of Paul, then verses 36-37 will help you see just how much he loved them. vs 36 When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. 37 They all cried as they embraced and kissed him goodbye.

Those ministry connections run deep, but we must keep our eyes on the prize and keep developing more and more so that the gospel will continue to be heard. This whole calling is bigger than us, and we must remain on track with God's will driving the ministry. I pray for even more precious Ministry Connections in the days ahead and thank God for the ones of my past.

Vesselogical Out,

David Warren