Thursday, June 30

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

"The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there." (Acts 19:32)

"'And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace… Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among those who are sanctified.'" (Acts 20:22-24,32)

We may take away several lessons from the contrasting attitudes of 1) Paul and the early disciples and 2) the Ephesian mob. These concepts go to the heart of our existential longings as God's creation.

The Ephesian mob desired to exert some shared purposes – or maybe just to become involved in the drama of commotion. In any event, we commonly wish to have influence over or at least participate in something greater than ourselves. Nationalism, regionalism, and even sports fandom all play upon this key element of our created nature.

Yet, the mob grew unruly without even knowing its purpose. As Pastor Scott likes to explain, there are three kinds of people in this world: 1) people who make things happen; 2) people who watch things happen; and 3) people who ask, "What happened?" This mob didn't have a clear purpose.

If we take inventory of the world's thinking, we may become overwhelmed with the complexity and confusion that different camps bring to the table. Indeed, politics has become dominated by half-truths, innuendo, and obfuscation, all of which Twitter seems to perpetuate and celebrate. We now accuse first, question second, backpedal third, reflect fourth, and apologize or empathize never. A terrible combination!

In contrast, Paul's friends in Ephesus, though devastated by his departure, knew how to carry on after he left. Paul had provided them a clear example of living a life submitted to God's purposes. He didn't understand the specifics of times and places, but he had identified himself as Christ's Kingdom bondservant, one committed to righteousness (Romans 6). He trusted that God would use his human life for eternal ends, and he shared this hope even through a tearful goodbye.

As Christ-followers, we do have a purpose larger than ourselves every day and a strong commitment to upholding and honoring the truth of the Scriptures and the power of the Gospel. As Romans 8:28 mentions, we "have been called according to his purpose." God's purposes now supersede the world's confusion and innuendo. We have clarity on the larger vision: "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness… " (Matthew 6:33) We are Kingdom-minded, and we understand that, through that orientation, we will experience joy, love, and peace through the Spirit as we grow more into the image of Christ.

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us a purpose larger than ourselves. Thank You for showing us Your awesome example of living a fully committed Kingdom life. Send Your Spirit into our hearts so that we may embrace Your larger purposes for us, and give us the courage to forsake lesser purposes in order to live first for You. To You be all glory, praise, and honor in our lives and forever! In Your Name, amen.