God's Beautiful Word of Grace
Scripture Reading — Acts 20:17-38
I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance.
—Acts 20:32
This meeting between Paul and the church leaders from Ephesus is one of the most moving scenes in the Bible. Paul knew that it was the last time on earth he would see and speak to these beloved friends in the Lord Jesus.
He had planted a church years earlier in the great city of Ephesus by preaching the gospel (“good news”) of Jesus Christ. Many Jews and Gentiles believed in the Lord as their eternal Savior. There was also fierce opposition from synagogue leaders, evil spirits, and idol worshipers in that city, but the church was strengthened and prevailed. Paul spent as much time helping this church grow as any other in his missionary travels.
What would he leave with these Christians he cared for? Nothing more and nothing less than the Word of God that tells of his grace.
Grace is one of the most beautiful words in the Bible! It is the first and last thing we need:
- Grace for the past, forgiving our sins and bringing us to Christ.
- Grace for the present, enabling us to be transformed into the image of Christ.
- Grace for the future, assuring us of eternal life with Christ.
May you find all the riches of God’s abundant grace as you use his Word!
Lord, “may your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise … Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight” (Psalm 119:76-77). Amen.
About the author — David Zandstra
David Zandstra is a retired pastor living in Marietta, Georgia, having served five churches from New Jersey to California. Along with other ministries, he counsels clients of a pregnancy resource center. He acknowledges his indebtedness to the training and resources of Peacemaker Ministries. David and his wife, Margie, have three children and six grandchildren.
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