Bible Reading – Acts 20:24, Matthew 25:23
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the Gospel of God’s grace.
His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share in your master’s happiness!”
Devotion
In Paul’s farewell address to the Elders at Ephesus, he clearly communicated what was important to him. What mattered most was that he accomplished the task to which he was called. Paul wanted to be found faithful to the very end of his life. Paul longed to hear those words, “Well done good and faithful servant!”
What was Paul’s task? He writes, “testifying to the Gospel of God’s grace.” Once again, we see the heartbeat of the early church. Grace means unmerited favor. Paul proclaimed the Good News of God’s unmerited favor. Grace is at the center of the Good News. We are reconciled to God through faith, not by earning His love through good works. We are saved by the grace of God. Our salvation is maintained by the grace of God. This truly is Good News. If our salvation depends on our righteousness, we are in big trouble.
When we put our faith in the person and work of Christ, His righteousness is credited to our account. Therefore, when we stand before our heavenly Father, all He sees is the righteousness of His Son. If we reject Christ’s righteousness and choose to be judged according to our righteousness, we will regretfully hear the words of our Lord, “Away from me, I never knew you.” One day we will all stand before a holy God. When we do, will you trust in Christ’s righteousness or your own?
The Big Question
At the end of your life, what will matter most? Are you a recipient of God’s grace? In what ways has God’s grace transformed your life? How does God’s grace remove the pressure to perform for God? What is the motive for good works in your life? What words do you long to hear from Jesus as you enter into eternity?
Spend some time in prayer meditating on what God revealed to you today.