All of Paul’s companions traveled by ship, whereas Paul walked the approximately twenty miles, and this after being awake all night! Why did Paul want to walk alone? Luke doesn’t say but it is easy to believe that Paul wanted alone time with the Lord. Walking and being alone with God is a good time to pray and a great time to listen. God ordained to for us to edify and care for each other (1 Thessalonians 5:11). It is key. Yet, the first person to rush to, to talk to, to listen to is none other than Jesus. It is who we most want and need to talk to and hear from. God the Father, Jesus His Son, and the Holy Spirit is whom we most need to be our counselor and comforter. Let us remember that. It is good to be encouraged by each other. It is best to be encouraged directly by God (Matthew 11:28-30). Praise God!
“When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene. 15 The next day we set sail from there and arrived off Chios. The day after that we crossed over to Samos, and on the following day arrived at Miletus. 16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost. 17 From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.” As was previously determined Paul met up with his companions at Assos and then continued to Miletus. From there he called for the leaders from the church at Ephesus.
Remembering that these pastors, leaders, elders also worked at their occupations / jobs, it was inspiring that when Paul called for them they came. Today I read “It has been rightly said that one of the greatest abilities in the kingdom of God is availability.” There are many people who say that they serve God but then they only give to God scraps of time to be available for Him. It is common in the church that people will not cut back on work times, or hobby time, or sport time, or entertainment time to answer the call of God to do His work. When He is looking for people to step forward, they step backward. God is looking for people who step forward to volunteer to be used (Isaiah 6:8, Psalm 53:2). It is common for pastors to humbly bow and say it’s okay, I understand. Yes they understand, they just don’t contest. They want the willing, not the forced. Extremely common is for those Christ died for (all) to scrape time that is regularly set apart for God to attend a child’s sporting event, or organized outing. Now family time is important, but God’s time is more important. Family time should be worked around God time. Family time should be a priority, just not above God. We should not worry that God will overwork us to attend to His business. We should be led by His Holy Spirit in the decisions and trust that God knows what is best. Surely these statements will offend the pampered or naive, but those who keep their nose to the grindstone understand. Those that love God above all else, above self, above every worldly interest, and even above beloved family, understand. Jesus taught ““If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.” (Luke 14:26-27, 33) Family and Friends, God does not ask for us to give up some things and withhold other things. No, Jesus who gave up all for us expects us to love Him first and most and hold nothing higher than Him. Holding anything before or higher than God is idolatry. So when we are talking about when God is calling to us to serve Him and we choose a sporting event first, or an additional time of study (not the Word), then we should consider whom we are refusing. Those who say that “God will understand” I must agree with. The question is whether we understand. When Paul called, then the leaders came. When God called then the leaders came. If fact the great quality of availability is a chief requirement for those who will be used by the Lord. Let’s ask the world to “understand” as we serve God and not ask for God to “understand” as we serve ourselves, our work, our family and the world. If need be, repent. If no need to repent, then praise God and continue on. Trust God to guide. He loves us so and knows how take care of all of us much better than we do. Be thankful! Praise God! Always love and praise God!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”