THE LORD GIVES THE INCREASE
“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.” Acts 20:32 NLT
Often times Paul uses statements like ‘the Lord is able to keep you from stumbling’ (Jude 1:24), ‘Imitate God in everything you do’ (Ephesians 5:1) as the church matures, and so on. With attention to such language in mind, allow me to open your eyes to what it really means to entrust one to God.
There is of course importance in acknowledging the work of ministers who plant seeds of the word (Luke 8:11) and who water the seed (1 Corinthians 3:6) but let us never forget that God is the one that gives the increase. In our theme scripture, Paul prays a parting prayer over the Ephesian elders who had demonstrated a certain maturity in how they followed and obeyed Christ. His words ‘I entrust you to God and the message of His grace to build you up and give you an inheritance’ demonstrate that Paul had an understanding that no man owns anyone, not their spiritual children, not their biological ones not even those whom they have discipled.
Many times conflicts arise when men cannot seem to understand that it is the grace of God that keeps and builds one up, though we may be used as integral vessels in that process. Having the maturity and grace to know that your service to God is a result of your death to self and his life at work in you, and not a platform for you to gather men for yourself and hoard them — qualifies you to speak the same words as Paul “I am free of all men, yet have become a servant to all” (1 Corinthians 9:19).
Child of God, be free from the snares of authority and power. A dead man to self who is alive to God bears more of both worlds than one who goes out to seek for it (2 Corinthians 5:8). Selah!
Prayer: Father I thank you for this wisdom. I have received of your grace and I pour out of it for freely was I given. It is in you that I live, move and have my being and my greatest endeavor is to do as I see my Father do, in Jesus mighty name. Amen!
CI.
