Acts 20:13-38 – Adios, Good Bye, Auf Wiedersehen

Read Acts 20:13-38

Notice I didn’t use “Au revoir” in the title. That would be French for “until we meet again.” Paul is saying his final goodbyes here to the leaders he met in Ephesus. Maybe it’s just me, but I got a little teary as I read his words. He truly loves them, but his love for the Lord is greater still.

How many times have you had to say goodbye to friends and loved ones during your life? It never gets easier for me. We’ve left whole congregations behind as we followed God’s plan for us. I know how Paul feels. He has been a nurturer and watched many lives be changed as the Holy Spirit took over. To never see those people again, to not be able to watch their faith grow, to not be a part of their lives.

We all need to remember that while we are out of sight, our legacy remains. The work we have done for the Lord will never pass away. If we leave people behind, we need to be sure we have entrusted them to God, armed with the truth, knowing how to carry forward. A new leader will come along. New ideas will be shared. So long as God is honored and involved, people continue to grow.

Sometimes the best thing we can do for a group is to leave. Paul obviously didn’t want to do this on his own accord, but he was listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit. For him, he saw that there would be heartache, pain and suffering ahead. Yet, like Jesus, he pushed forward toward his destiny. In small group ministry, we would encourage groups to split and start new groups. Friendships built in groups never pass away, but new groups allowed more people to hear the Good News.

Paul’s parting words were so touching. The people were moved. What are some of the things he said that moved you? Write those in the comments.

For me, these verses struck a chord. “I have done the Lord’s work humbly.” I want to be humble and grace-filled when I share and lead. When I look back on my life I want to see faithfulness because of what Jesus did for me, not me seeking my own glory or fame. I want to serve others as Jesus served, and love God first.

“But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.” What a testimony. How many of us can say that? So many people are focused on material things to show worth and value. Why do we put so much emphasis on “stuff?” Shouldn’t we be focused on helping others, making sure they know the Good News? That’s a great reward.

“And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.” How perfect and powerful this prayer is for those we are leaving behind. When we recently sent our son off to live permanently in Japan, that was indeed my prayer. We have to let go and let God. Trust God.

“You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” How true is this? Being able to share with others is the best gift of all.

What I take from this reading the most is the heart of Paul. He was all in for Jesus and spreading the Good News. If that meant he had to leave dear people behind, he was going to be faithful. Saying goodbye is hard, saying au revoir is easier because there is the perception there will be a next time. If we are connected in the body of Christ, it will always be an “au revoir,” just maybe not in this life.

Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you for the great example Paul gives us in being faithful to you and your plan for his life. May I be as open. Speak to me as you did to Paul so I am crystal clear on what your intentions are for my ministry and my life. You have brought us to Mexico, to a new culture and life. I am patiently waiting for you to reveal your plan for us here. I feel like it is unfolding more and more each day. Bless all the conversations and interactions I have today. May your will be done! In Jesus’ name. Amen.