Goodbye

We are following Paul’s third missionary journey...currently in the city of Miletus visiting with the leaders from the church in Ephesus one last time. There is a link in the “sites” section of the blog that will allow you to interactively track his journey.

Acts 20
32 “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. 33 I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. 34 You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. 35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” 36 When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. 37 They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye. 38 They were sad most of all because he had said that they would never see him again. Then they escorted him down to the ship.


Goodbye. It amazes me how strategically God works. For the past 35 years, there is a family that has made a major impact on my life. The mom and dad were like second parents to me. The son was my best friend through high school and beyond. The daughter was the sister I never had. I would not be who I am today if God hadn't strategically placed them in my life. Almost four months ago on this blog, we began following the journey of the church as it first began. Today (of all days), we come to a scene were Paul must say goodbye for the last time to a group of friends he has shared his journey with. This weekend, I will say goodbye to my friends. The journey of life has already led the son and daughter out of town; but now the mom and dad are leaving too ... and with them the main reason my friends return to our small home town. Like Paul's friends, I am saddened by the fact that I will probably never see them again; but also like Paul's friends, I am grateful for the faithful examples they have lived out for so many years. Thank you. Goodbye.