Thurs., 1/20/11 Devotion (Acts 20:28)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 20:28.  This whole section, of Paul's exhortation to the Ephesian elders, is one of the most power-
ful in all the holy Scriptures. . . .

"Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood."

God's elders are the guardians and watchmen of the doors of the church.  Paul says, in the next verse, that "fierce wolves" would come in, to disturb the flock.  So, what do the elders do?  They must first take heed to their own lives; and then to the congregations of Christ's church.  They must "be alert," (v. 31), awake, vigilant, diligent, and watchful.  The people of God are to pray for them, that their elders might faithfully discharge their duties.

All of us have plenty of reason to bless God, that He spares us from dangers about which we know nothing.  May He give us grace to be faithful in all things.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Men are by nature utterly careless of the glory of God.  They have no degree of concern for it.  A natural man never does any one thing out of true concern for the glory of God."   
--Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon entitled, "It Is Well For Us That God Is Not As We Are"]