«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).
The apostle Paul wanted to spend Easter in Jerusalem because there—more than in any other place—he would have the opportunity to preach the gospel to people from all over the world who arrived in town for the festivities. From the city of Corinth in Greece, he traveled to Jerusalem, visiting various locations on the way, to confirm the faith of the believers. But fulfilling this mission implied not only discomfort but also sacrifice and suffering. This did not faze Paul because, as he himself said, «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). The apostle had a clear purpose in life: to fulfill the mission given to him by God. plan justified all the hardships. So effective was his work that during the first century of the Christian age, he could say that the faith was spread «throughout the whole world» (Rom. 1:8).
However, the task to reach the world with the gospel has only been partially fulfilled. More than half of the world still has not heard about God’s forgiveness and love. They do not know Christ, His atoning sacrifice and the hope of resurrection or eternal life. Do you think they are not ready to receive the message? Jesus said, «Lif up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!» (John 4:35). «Who will leave pleasant homes and dear ties of relationship, and carry the precious light of truth to far-off lands? Every day, every moment, comes to those to whom have been entrusted the light of truth, weighted with the terrible significance that men and women in every land are preparing themselves for weal or for woe, fixing their destiny for eternity.» (Testimonies or the Church, vol. 8, ch. 9, p. 53).
Even today, the light of truth needs to carried by human instruments. It needs to be carried by you and me! If we accept the commitment of fulfilling the proposed task, difficulties and obstacles will certainly interpose themselves. We will have to make sacrifices and overcome some hardships. Even so, we can count on the blessed promise, «But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me . . . to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
Taken from: Daily Devotions for Adults 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores: Yidith C & Alejandra Zavala