Cause or Person?

S - "As he traveled from place to place, he encouraged the followers with many messages. Finally, he went to Greece and stayed there for three months." Acts 20

O -  This is the description of Paul's "ministry life" following his departure from Ephesus after the riot.  It covers some months, clearly more than three in only two sentences.  There's no report on numbers "saved" or "healed" or "in attendance".  No important persons are named nor are venues mentioned which would add credibility to "the ministry" or justification for the travel.  All that is said is that "he encouraged the followers".  Curious in light of the way "ministry" seems to be done today.  The religious world wants to call people to a cause and heaven only calls people to a person.  That person leads and makes assignments but the assignments are never the point. He is! The description above is disastrous if one is serving and building a cause. It is beautifully potent if one is following a person.  

A - It's a good thing Paul wasn't trying to fund raise.  It’s a good thing he wasn't hired by a religious organization or missionary enterprise.  Fortunately, he was doing what he'd done since that first encounter with Jesus (Acts 9).  He was following.  The very thing he asked all others to pursue in any reference to his own life. "Follow me as I follow Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). Jesus never worked for his Father only with him.  He never called one person to a cause, only to himself.  He's never asked anyone to work for him, only with him. He doesn't need or want my help, only my cooperation.  With him, there's no "justification" or "credibility" to be gained or maintained. Only following, abiding and loving. "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever." 

P - God and Father of Jesus and us all,

Thank you for sending Jesus to clarify both your person and your purposes.  Thank you for wanting us all and giving us all the same invitation through and in him.  I am very grateful to be working with and not for.  I am hoping that you will make my life an encouragement to all according to the irrepressible life of Jesus.

Living in hope due to your unfailing love,

Steve