BENEDICTION OF A BISHOP

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Acts 20:36-38

When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them.

They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye.

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 had spent three years in Asia doing the work of the Lord from Corinth to Berea to Galatia and Ephesus, great work with the Jews there and the Greek alike.


We learn from this great servant of the Lord through whom the Lord instructs us in spiritual things:


Let me start from the end: he was on his way to Jerusalem, he knew he was not coming back that it was jail and suffering. He was not a prophet of doom, the Spirit had revealed it to him:


Acts 20:22-23

“And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me,

except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead.


What was his reaction?


Acts 20:24 

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.


What faith, what live for God. When many claim this or that in the body of Christ today, I really wonder what price they have paid. Some live in luxury and lavishness and yet want to claim the same spiritual benefit  great men worked and sacrificed their life for. Hmm.


Let us look at his instructions and testimonies:


1.

Acts 20:26-27

I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, it’s not my fault,

for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know.


Anyone of his people who suffers eternal death, it is their own fault, he has done his job, he taught them the word day in day out, even through the night, he watched over them and showed them good examples. (Too much for once saved forever saved. Selah)


2.

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 elders.


If they elders and the people would remain faithful, then there is work to be done. Feeding and Shepherding. Two important ingredient for growth. This must be priority in church.


3.

Acts 20:29-31

I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock.

Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following.

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.


It did not just begin in our times, false teachers will arise from inside and outside the church, to draw follower-ship. For every new thing will always have fans. We must guard the truth and where is the truth, in His word. Itching ears will exist and self glory will always be sought but not from us who know the truth.


Thus the leaders must arise and work.


4.

Acts 20:32

“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.


We must remember that the Heavenly Father is the leader himself, His Son is the one who reveals Him.


5.

Acts 20:33-35

“I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes.

You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me.

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.’”


I always wonder whose example church leaders follow? Just look at Paul's testimony.


We can't say we are leaders and are pest to the sheep. Selah


Understanding is really needed.


6.

Acts 20:36

When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them.


Finally PRAYERS


Never joke with prayers.


1Thessalonians 5:17 

Pray without ceasing.


Then LOVE:


Acts 20:37-38

They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye.

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.


What more do we say?


Help us Good Lord.


He calls us blessed.


Love

@the watcher.

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