But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).
In speaking to the elders at Ephesus, Paul has already reminded them of the example he has set before them and of the plain teaching he has presented to them. As well, he says he is going to Jerusalem, even though he does not know what will happen to him there.
Not even the possibility of persecution or even death will prevent Paul from going to the holy city and, with joy, preaching the gospel there. His dedication to Jesus is boundless, more important than his own life.
This all-consuming passion for the great Cause to which Paul has committed himself sets before us an example that we cannot ignore: to please God we must make our service to Him our top priority. Our commitment must displace the pettiness of our own whims and fancies and the lameness of our excuses for not putting Him first.
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