«Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains» (Ephesians 6:19, 20, NW).
TODAY’S TEXT was written by the Apostle Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome around 62 AD when Nero was the emperor. What did the brave warrior ask his Ephesian brothers and sisters to do? He asked them to pray for him. He wanted to receive power from God so that he could courageously proclaim the name of Jesus Christ.
Isn’t it amazing? He didn’t ask them to pray for his release, neither did he ask them to pray for better conditions in the place where he was being held. None of that! He asked his brothers and sisters to pray that he could proclaim the name of Christ «fearlessly,» as was appropriate for an «ambassador in chains» (Ephesians 6:20).
The apostle Paul was simply saying that there was no circumstance in this world that could prevent him from talking about Christ. He improvised and turned his jail cell into a pulpit. And from that improvised pulpit, he made known «the mystery of godliness: ‘God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory» (l Timothy 3:16).
The results did not delay as his words to the Philippians indicate: «I want you to know, brethren that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ» (Philippians 1:12, 13). How interesting! Even the imperial guard came to know Christ and His plan of salvation!
There is a beautiful lesson for us to learn here, which is well illustrated by a story told by Pastor H. M. S. Richards. He said that a boy named William was hospitalized to remove a bone fragment from his arm. The operation was a complete success, and the child recovered after several days. Before being discharged, little William asked to speak to the doctor who had performed the surgery.
«You wanted to talk to me?» the surgeon asked William.
Instead of responding, William raised his arm as much as he could, until he reached the surgeons shoulder, then as his face radiated with happiness, he said, «I’ll never get tired of talking about you to my mom.»
That’s exactly how a grateful heart speaks! That’s why the Apostle Paul never got tired of talking about his Savior, regardless of his circumstances. And for that very reason, I can also say today: «Blessed Savior, I will never get tired of talking about You.»
Dear Jesus, no matter where I am, or what my circumstances may be,
I will never get tired of saying that You will always be my greatest treasure.
#AdultsDevotional
#RadioJovenAdventista
#MeditacionesDiarias
Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Colaboradores: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
