TUESDAY, MARCH 14
Acts 20:28-32
Hebrews 13:7

"Remember them which have the rule over you,
who have spoken unto you the word of God…"

WATCH AND REMEMBER

Paul enjoined the elders of Ephesus to "watch, and remember" (Acts 20:31). To "watch" is to stay awake with constant readiness and to remain fully alive or active. To "remember" is to keep something in mind and think of it always. Paul encouraged them to remember how for three years he took all opportunities to warn them even in tears. In effect, he reminded them to watch continually with passion against the onslaught of the enemies of the gospel (as he used to warn them).

Watch, be alert and keep awake. In other words, he wanted them to employ the most conscientious care for the church. This demanded strict attention to, being cautious or active in remembering what Paul had for three years, night and day, admonished them with tears. He then set them before God and to the word of His grace, to the One who is able to build them up and give them an inheritance in Him who had sanctified them all (Acts 20:32). He desired them to be good shepherds to feed the flock and to guard the flock against wolves which he prophesied would come after his departure.

To remember is to recall about the false teachers. They should remember that they must not be negligent in building upon that foundation which was so diligently laid for them through Paul. The only way to abide in the truth is to watch against evil, and do good; and to keep in mind the heavenly doctrines originally received. Unwatchfulness and forgetfulness are two grand inlets to apostasy.

"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you" (Heb 13:17).

THOUGHT: Am I submitting myself to the rule of my elders?
PRAYER: "Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders" (Ps 107:31-32).