written by Stephan Joubert
Paul’s farewell words to the church leaders Ephesus in Acts 20 grabs my heart over and over again. It just should have been one of the more well-known and popular texts in the church than it is today. Especially precious is the apostle’s words that he worked hard to always have something to give to the poor! This verse belongs in the same company as John 3:16, the Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 23.
In these deep words of Paul we encounter the complete heart of the gospel in a nutshell, namely that we must always life generously. That’s what the gospel is about — giving, not receiving. And not storing things up just for ourselves. We don’t work only for our own retirement package or the next luxury item on our never-ending shopping list. No, we also work hard to be able to care for those who are suffering. Our biggest investments in God’s kingdom is to reach out every time we encounter someone that’s less privileged than ourselves. So, how about a fresh re-appreciation of Acts 20:35 here in the new year?
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