For David, after he had served the purpose of God inhis own generation, fell asleep . . . ~ Acts 13:36 (ESV)
READING: Acts 13:13-52
Scripture says David completed his mission and then went to be with the Lord. One day, all of us will “fall asleep.” The question each of us must ask is this: Will we have served our purpose? Consider these situations:
Some leaders “burn out.” They run hard and never take a break. It destroys their body and they die early.
Others “flame out.” They burst onto the scene like a shooting star, here one moment but flaming out the next.
Still other leaders “rust out.” They get old and crusty, losing their purpose and direction along the way.
Our goal should be to “run out” like David; we should serve God’s purpose and finally run out of good works on that task-list that God has “prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph. 2:10). When will that be? Only the Father knows. I have known two church planters who planted multiple churches in their “retirement” years. Others maintained significant ministry in their retirement homes.
A few years ago, one of our Brazilian DCPI Certified Trainers traveled to Cuba to train church planters. He taught a lesson, sat down afterwards, had a heart attack and died. While the loss to his family was immense, he went home to Jesus serving faithfully. What a great way to go!
Lord, Help me not to burn out, rust out or flame out in ministry. Help me pace myself in order to serve your purpose in my generation and eventually run out of your work for me. May I then hear those words I long to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant” and receive my heavenly reward. Amen.
