“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” — Acts 20:24.
PAUL delighted to speak on various occasions of that which he had “received of the Lord Jesus.” It was the assurance that his was a ministry given by the risen Christ which enabled him to “endure all things for the elect’s sake,” He knew Christ and he knew the value of the things of God, and because of this knowledge he was able to “endure as seeing Him who is invisible.” It is as heavenly things loom large before the soul that one can hold the things of earth with a loose hand, and endure suffering and persecution with joyfulness knowing that Christ will estimate all aright at His judgment-seat and reward according to the measure of devotedness manifested here.
“Think it not strange, then, pilgrim, neither faint,
Much less indulge in murmuring and complaint,
If what you meet with in your heavenly road
Is hard to bear; since all is planned by God,
His child to train in wisdom’s holy ways,
And form a chosen vessel for His praise.
Now we are slow those ways to understand;
But let us bow beneath His mighty hand,
Sure that His wisdom over all presides,
His power controls, and love unerring guides.”
—J. G. Deck.