[Paul speaking]
“I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

As I was growing up, I watched my father, King, and my mother, Charlene, work tirelessly to serve those with very little at the San Jose Rescue Mission as missionaries. They not only got their hands dirty folding clothes, moving furniture, and encouraging people, they also worked to fundraise, transport, and teach the Bible.

I remember some school nights when I was in high school, where my dad would be driving refugees in the van, picking them up and taking them to Bible study, and then dropping them off again. We would get home after 11 PM. He worked hard to serve those who God had called him to at the Rescue Mission.

I imagine this was also the case with the Apostle Paul. His ministry was not just administrative in nature, or only on certain days. It was at all times in life. He received from God and others and mentored those around him. He physically worked to earn money and used this money to support his ministry.

This is such an important example. God calls us to work hard and be productive. He also calls us to minister to others. The two can be done together, and, many times, this is how the gospel is most effectively spread.

I also notice in this passage that there was such a closeness to each other through God’s Spirit that they prayed together and wept. This is the weeping of family members who are saying goodbye to their leader. It was not a bitter goodbye, as they knew they would see him again in heaven. But it was a heavy goodbye, as they knew his future persecution would be so very hard.

When the Lord calls us to ministry, it is not an easy calling. But it is a right and noble calling and he provides a family of Jesus followers to comfort, encourage, and love on us. The Ephesians were family to Paul.

Lord, thank you for my Christian family in my hometown and abroad. They are such a blessing, and you have gifted me with their friendship in such a great way. May I model hard work in the peak time of ministry and in the valleys. And may my work be pleasing in your sight!