Check out all the previous Acts readings here.
Acts Reading Plan | Week 15 | Day 3
Announcement
Before we get into today’s reading, we wanted to let you know that beginning next week (Acts Week 16), notifications about the Bible Reading Plan will happen through the Crossroads app, rather than through texts. This will not only save the church money, but will also enable us to reach more people with the Bible plan. Watch this video to see how to subscribe to receiving Bible Plan notifications:
If you have any questions, contact Ed Applegate.
Prayer
Take a moment to be silent and still. In order to be fully present in body and mind, take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. Do this three times.
In John 10:14 Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” Thank Jesus that He is our Shepherd – he protects us from evil and helps where we are weak.
Bible Reading: Acts 20:25-38
Read these verses three times slowly.
“Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
“Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.
Reflection & Questions
Paul finishes his words to the elders of the Ephesian church today. It’s a powerful scene, as these brothers in Christ shed tears as they say goodbye to their leader. The love between them is such a great example to us about how our attitudes should be to one another at Crossroads. Deep love, jumping in with both feet. Church isn’t something we show up to, it’s about real relationships, real love and making a real difference in other’s lives.
Paul knows that this is his last chance to guide the leaders of the church. As they shepherd the flock, he tells them to “be on your guard” and to “help the weak.” These are great leadership axioms. Whether it is in family, our growth groups, our workplaces, or wherever we have influence, these words are an insightful guide. Be on your guard for those who would divide. Be on your guard for things that would derail you or your family members. But then also, help those who are suffering with comfort. Help those who are beat down with encouragement. Help those who are confused to understand. Be on your guard and help the weak – this is how a leader loves well.
- Have you jumped in with both feet into loving your brothers and sisters in Christ as Crossroads? If not, why not? What’s the next step that God might be leading you to do?
- What does it mean to be on your guard and to help the weak in an area you have influence (your family, workplace, somewhere else)? What’s the next step that God might be leading you to do?
Prayer
Talk to God in response to today’s reading.
Worship Song
You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:
Check out more Bible Reading Plans here.
Questions?
Ed Applegate
