October 27, 2011 - Acts 20:28

“’Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.’” Acts 20:28.
Among Paul’s final words to the elders at Ephesus, whom he loved so deeply, was this charge to “watch over” or to take care of the Ephesian people that God had given them. He reminded them that they were to shepherd the flock of God and that these people were owned by God, as they had been purchased with an extravagant price: His blood. God had given these elders the responsibility of caring for the people of the church. It is interesting to me that Paul encourages the elders take care of themselves, as well as the flock. It would be difficult to care for the people without taking care of themselves.
It seems that every year, when I arrive home from the Lake Champion Men’s Weekend, I am drained; physically and emotionally drained. I put so much into the weekend that it empties my emotional and physical tank. If I’m not more careful, I could become physically sick or emotional depressed (or both!) when I come home. I am still in the process of learning what are the activities that refill my tank. For instance, this past Sunday, my wife and I went for a leisurely hike along a stream. We enjoyed the peaceful surroundings and the color of the leaves during the changing season. It fed my soul! It prepared me for a difficult week ahead. I am better prepared to care for others more deeply. Paul’s word to the Ephesian elders applies to us today: “Keep watch over yourselves.”
Questions to consider: What are you doing to take care of yourself? Why should you be sure to take care of yourself? Have you found the things that you can do to fill your tank? When is the last time that you worked on filling your emotional tank? Your spiritual tank?
Prayer: Father, thank You for providing so many various ways for me to take care of myself. Help me to recognize when my tank is getting low and need to do what is necessary to fill it back up. Amen.