Whether there be conditions as cold as winter, as promising as spring, as bright as summer, or as overcast as autumn, Paul's ministry is appropriate for us.
Paul's closing words to the elders at Ephesus tell the proper spirit and character of a true servant of God. Paul passed through all manner of conditions with respect to the assembly, which indicates his ministry is suitable for any condition among the people of God today. Whether there be conditions as cold as winter, as promising as spring, as bright as summer, or as overcast as autumn, Paul's ministry is appropriate for us.
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house.
Acts 20:17-2017And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 18And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 20And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, (Acts 20:17‑20).
Winter
Winter begins our year and illustrates the condition of man's heart untouched and unmoved by the love and grace of Christ.
The Jews had asked Jesus to tell them plainly if He were the Christ. He had already abundantly proved this. When He stated the truth that He and His Father were one, they took up stones to stone Him. They were filled with coldness and hatred for Christ. Paul also experienced this same response from the Jews. (Acts 9:23, 2423And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 24But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. (Acts 9:23‑24).) Religious flesh will always be opposed to Paul's ministry
Spring
Spring is characterized by freshness, growth, and life out of death. Paul wrote to the assembly at Thessalonica commending them for their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope. He also recalled how they had turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God and to wait for His Son from heaven. Whether an assembly or individual is characterized by the features seen in the Thessalonian believers, the encouragement and testimony to others is indisputable.
How refreshing to see a believer, young or old, hungering after fellowship, anxious to gain a fresh thought of Christ, desiring better understanding of Scripture, fervently engaged in the gospel, and sincerely concerned for the welfare of all men. The coldness and barrenness of winter are left behind as spring arrives. Worldly wisdom and ways fade away as love for Christ moves one to willing obedience to Him.
Summer
Summer is known for warmth, long days, and blooming vegetation. The epistle to the Ephesians tells us we are blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies in Christ. No greater blessing could be ours. The believer should be enjoying the fullness of the blessing he has in Christ. It is not material wealth and abundance, but a spiritual treasure that belongs to us.
There is a walk that corresponds to these truths and so the Ephesians were exhorted to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith they were called. As intelligence in divine things increases, so should godliness. What has begun in spring, matures in summer. What has matured in summer, falls away in autumn and the chills that characterize winter are occasionally felt.
Autumn
Autumn may be compared to the end of one's natural life, but it also indicates the last days of the assembly's history on earth. It was in autumn when Paul wrote:
The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.... Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. Do thy diligence to come before winter. 2 Tim. 4:13, 20, 2113The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. (2 Timothy 4:13)
20Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. 21Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. (2 Timothy 4:20‑21).
No doubt Paul felt the need of warmth in his prison cell as the chilling gusts of autumn wind pierced his skin. But what bit more deeply than the cold winds was the realization that many had forsaken him. "Notwithstanding," he said, "the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me." v. 17. We have the same resource today.
Trophimus was sick and in the last days many are spiritually ill and weak. Paul desired Timothy to come before winter set in. Timothy's coming would warm the soul of this venerable servant of God. It must have done his heart good to see a younger brother who still cared for him and his ministry. Paul's writings from the prison in Rome give needed truth for the days of autumn, a day of falling away and giving up.
Soon the icy conditions of winter will prevail again as all who love the Lord Jesus will be caught up to be with Him. The principles of opposition to the truth which will rise to their peak after the assembly is gone are felt even now.
Still, there is encouragement, even in a day of decline. Ephraim will say upon his restoration, "I am like a green fir tree." Hos. 14:88Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found. (Hosea 14:8). May we be as an evergreen tree even in the days of autumn. When all around is giving evidence of death, we may enjoy communion with the Lord and be characterized by the very life of Christ. He will say, "From Me is thy fruit found.”
Autumn is similar to sunset. On the positive side, some of the most beautiful sights and colors are seen just before the leaves fall, or the sun sets. Many older saints give the richest display of Christ in their lives just before they are called home.
It is good to recognize that though we live in the days of autumn, we may be characterized by spring and summer. Paul's ministry is not only appropriate, but necessary for us in all seasons.
W. Brockmeier
His Love
Not to shield my path from sorrows
Is His care and thought;
Not to make the dark world brighter
Where Himself is not.
But to have me there beside
Him In the love and light,
There to tell my heart how precious
I am in His sight.