Written by Shauna Archer
In today’s devotion on Acts 20:28-38, I want to focus on three particular verses that stood out to me as I read this passage. The first is verse 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.”
Many people have influenced my life – my parents, teachers, colleagues in ministry and some close friends. I’m so thankful to God for the many people who have helped me to become who I am today.
Who influences the church? Your pastors (Kirk, Peter, Eric, Daniel, and myself) have been specifically called by God to oversee the church. We are to teach, rebuke, comfort, love and lead the church because of the call we have received. There are others here at Living Hope in positions of influence as well – the board of elders, small group leaders, youth leaders, kids’ min leaders and many more. All of our leaders have the opportunity to imitate Christ in such positive and profound ways that others in the flock are fed, served, and well cared for. The pastors here are thankful to serve alongside so many strong, capable leaders who are helping others become all that Jesus envisions.
But then verse 29 follows which reads, “I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock.”
The church is often attacked from the outside, and this brings members of the church closer together. Attacks from the inside are a whole different matter – they often cause painful divisions. Paul warns of ‘vicious wolves’ in the church who would mercilessly try to destroy the church. This imagery is startling to me because wolves are predators and the word ‘vicious’ means predisposed to evil.
Do we have ‘wolves’ in our church today? Maybe we do, but I don’t want to be in a hurry to accuse other people until I’ve looked at my own life. Have I ever said or done anything that has the capability of tearing apart the body here at Living Hope? Do my words and actions encourage unity or tension at Living Hope? I think it is worth examining our own hearts before the Lord to make sure that we always have God’s agenda for the church in mind.
Lastly, the final verses of this chapter caught my attention. This meeting between Paul and the Ephesian leaders is possibly one of the most moving scenes in the Bible. Paul had planted this church years earlier by preaching the gospel, and many Jews and Gentiles had come to faith in Christ. The church grew even though there was fierce opposition from outside. Paul knew this would be the last time he would ever see these dear people whom he had served for the past 3 years.
What would Paul leave with these people he cared for so deeply? Verse 32 says, “And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up …”
The message of grace! Grace is such a beautiful concept because it is totally God’s invention. It is the first thing we need when we give our lives to Christ – the grace of God to forgive our past sins. And grace is what we need in the present to transform our lives into the image of Christ. And grace will be the last thing we will ever need on earth because it will assure us of eternal life.
May you find all the riches of God’s abundant grace as you influence people for Christ, and as you seek unity in the body of Christ here at Living Hope.
