Grace Church San Diego

Paul’s ship has taken port in Miletus and he calls for the elders (or pastors) of the church in Ephesus to come meet with him.  The elders travel the 30 or so miles down to the port of Miletus; their trip looked a lot like a trip from say Tijuana to Ensenada, but by foot and without the fish tacos and buckets of beer.  Paul had spent years in Ephesus.  The guys would have been excited to see him.

However, upon arriving, we find the reunion has taken a grave turn.  Paul breaks the bad news.  This will be his last visit, his final farewell.  One last exchange between friends, partners and partakers together in the gospel.  Smiles begin to melt as tears stream down their faces.  The day has turned very, very sad.  After everything, after all they had been through, this is how it would end.

Paul offers only a simple word for the Ephesian elders.  Finished is the teaching.  Finished is the wrangling over theology and doctrine.  Just a simple exhortation.  Brothers, listen.  It’s better this way.  Better I leave.  Better I go.  Better I lose my life.  Nothing has changed and you will soon return home to the same.  It’s better this way - to be with Him, Jesus.  Paul, we discover, is absolutely convinced that Jesus Christ is far better than anything this world has to offer.  There is something much more exciting here than just a kingdom ethic...that somehow there is more to gain in giving than their is to gain in receiving.  No, in these last moments together, Paul registers a radical protest against this world and all it holds dear.  He is better!

You and I, Grace Church, have been swept up into the continuing work of Jesus Christ.  United with him, the church now joins Jesus in the big pushing back.  His reign is ever increasing.  His Kingdom is ever enlarging.  Pressing forward.  The message of grace being carried to the ends of the earth and within ear shot of all those who will listen.  As disciples, we join Jesus as fellow workers.  We answer the call to follow him, and it will cost us our lives.

You say, “but I don’t want to go.  I don’t want to let go.”  I say rejoice...you are already on the hunt.  Pray that he might give you more grace.  Pray that he might turn your passions and affections away from this world and towards Him.  Yes.  He bids come, follow me.  Yes.  He is on the road Calvary.  If you will not come, if your legs are unwilling, he will carry you.  Only turn.  Lean.  You are his bride.

The intoxicating allure of ease, which leads to complacency is very real and very dangerous.  The solution, however, isn’t determination but delight.  Set out to die and soon enough you’ll be aching for relief.  Set out for Christ and you’ll find all the relief you need along the way.  Remember, He is the prize.

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