Evelyn and I have just
returned from a beautiful trip to Greece. We explored many places, climbed
thousands of ancient steps, and visited some of the most amazing Greek and
Roman ruins in the world. It was a holiday we had planned for almost three
years and we both looked forward to visiting the many historical places associated
with the Apostle Paul. We were not disappointed.
I’ve always admired Paul’s
ministry since elementary school. I grew up in a time when my schoolteacher
began each day with a Bible passage and commentary. Most of the time, my
teacher read from the Book of Acts and talked about Paul’s arduous journeys to
plant churches around the Mediterranean and in Asia Minor. More than fifty
years later, I got to see those historic places, especially those in Ephesus, Corinth,
Rhodes, and Athens.
Paul purposefully lived to
spread the Gospel of Jesus and eventually was martyred because of his faith. He
wanted to share the good news of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection to
everyone who was willing to listen to his message. He even managed to talk
about Jesus to the most powerful man in the world of his day – the Roman Emperor
– as he made his personal appeal to Caesar. Imagine that – an itinerant preacher
with no wealth or esteem – standing before the mightiest and most-revered
person in the ancient world, talking to him about Jesus.
As Evelyn and I walked on
ancient roads where Paul travelled, we both felt a connection to the great work
that Paul accomplished in his day. And, as we listened to different local
guides tell us parts of Paul’s story, we were both humbled and inspired to
spread the Gospel for the rest of our lives to those who are willing to listen,
because everyone is a child of God, and everyone can be saved by God’s grace.
We just have to make the most of our opportunities to share Christ’s love and
words with all whom we are still to meet.
Point to ponder: How do
I share my faith in Christ?
Prayer: Lord Jesus,
thank You for personally calling Paul into Your ministry. We are grateful for
the many things he accomplished through his total devotion to You. Help us to
carry on the mission of Your Gospel by sharing Your love with all whom we meet
and encounter today. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.
John Stuart is the pastor
of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to look
at what the church is currently doing, please check out the website at www.erinpres.org.
Today’s photograph is of
the ancient main street in Corinth where Paul spent eighteen months building up
the church, preaching the Gospel, and probably selling the tents he made in one
of the local stores on this remarkable street.
