Day 286 "Asked to Leave or Asked to Stay?"

Passage: Acts 18:19-20

They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined.

Devotion:

In our passage today, it seems Paul had modified his approach when going to a synagogue in a new city. Why do I think that? Because the result was different. Instead of the Jews trying to throw him in jail or stone him to death, they asked him to stay longer. How and what he began doing different scripture doesn't tell us exactly, only that the response was considerably changed. Somehow Paul's presence had been transformed into a blessing (that they wanted more of) rather that a source of irritation and conflict.

Perhaps Paul's completed "vow of separation" (which we discussed in our previous devotion) led him to the synagogue with a better and refreshed perspective; we don't know for sure, we only know that the response from the Jews was vastly different (...they asked him to spend more time with them...).

Questions to Ponder:

Are people anxious for you to leave, or do they want you to stay longer, disappointed when it is time for you to go? I think the key is what are you full of -- the Holy Spirit or yourself. Did you come to contribute, participate and be a blessing or did you come to be served emotionally, physically or both? Unfortunately I've found many people enter into a relationship to be served by it rather than serve in it. Be honest, which approach do you choose? Who would you rather be in relationship with? How can you change your perspective?