Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Acts 20 and Psalm 88

” I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” (v.24)

As Paul bade farewell to the elders of the Ephesian Church, with whom he had spent three full years, he knew by the revelation of the Holy Spirit that he would not see them again. He had a clear sense that significant persecution awaited him in Jerusalem, but that the Spirit was compelling him to go there. So, in obedience to the Spirit, he was about to leave for Jerusalem to fulfil his mission there.

It might seem strange to us that Paul was quite at peace about this probable persecution; but he was a man on a mission that had been given to him by God Himself, and his desire to please God surpassed his human desire for comfort and security. He was like an athlete aiming for the finish line of a race and pouring every last ounce of energy into that goal. No pain or discomfort or hardship was more important than crossing the finish line and pleasing his LORD by fulfilling his mission. That’s deeply inspirational because it is deeply Christlike! Personally it makes me want to get real clarity about the life-mission Jesus has given to me in this season.

Life application: Paul speaks of “the race … the Lord Jesus has given me. ” Paul had his race to run. You and I will have our own race. It will be different to Paul’s race, but once we each know what that race is … let’s run it with all our might. What task has the Lord committed to you? What contribution are you called to make to the cause of His Kingdom in this season of your life? Renew your commitment to fulfilling that today.