June 16

I take you to record this day that I am pure from the blood of all men. — Acts 20:26

It is a happy thing for a minister, or anybody, to be able to look back on years of life and work, and to find nothing to regret – nothing done that were better not done.

Yet that is the way we should all live. Paul’s review of his life shows a fine model of pastoral faithfulness. He had been always with his people – not running away on all manner of excursions. He had loved his people – that is the secret of ministerial success.

A man who does not love people cannot be a good pastor.

It is a great thing for any one to be able to say, “I am pure from the blood of all men.” This implies that we have done all we could do to show Christ to them.

Paul’s farewell shows how deep an interest he had in the people he was leaving. It shows his faith, too, for he commits them all to God, knowing that they would not be forgotten or overlooked when the pastor was gone.