All the Way to the Ship
Scripture Reading: Acts 20:13-38

Today’s Treasure: “When he had said this, 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” (Acts 20:36-38). 

Yesterday some of our dear friends and co-workers in student ministry announced that God is leading them in a new direction, which involves attending seminary in another state.  There were many tears, as this young couple is dearly loved.  They have been a strong example of love, purity, wisdom, and godliness.  This young youth pastor has poured himself out tirelessly and selflessly for two years.  Our lives have been enriched by his ministry.

My husband addressed our students and youth workers after the announcement and told them that we are not the only ones who have ever had to say goodbye.  In Acts 20 Paul said goodbye to the elders of the church at Ephesus, where he had served the Lord for two years.  “When he had said this, 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” (Acts 20:36-38).  Curtis exhorted us to do three things before our friends leave.  We are going to kneel down and pray with them, we are going to cry together because we will miss them, and then we are going to accompany them to the ship. 

I had never heard that analogy before—to accompany someone to the ship.  It was such a good and timely word to me.  How often does God ask us to say goodbye to people we love?  Probably more often than we like!  Our church has lost five beloved members in the last two weeks.  One of my husband’s best friends is moving far away.  If you and I were having a conversation, I’m sure you could tell me about several loved ones whose ships are about to sail. 

Sometimes we don’t get to say goodbye.  Other times, goodbye is a process.  How do we deal with the process of goodbye when our heart’s inclination is to pull away because it hurts too much?   The exhortation to accompany this precious couple to the ship hit the bulls-eye.  They are not the only ones God is calling to obedience.  He has a task for all of us too.  Our job is to see them off, to support them in this phase of their walk with God, and to bless them as they go.  We want to be standing on the docks, probably with tears in our eyes, waving goodbye to these friends who served us and served with us.  We want to strengthen them as they go so that they will arrive at their new destination with courageous, joyful hearts.  In doing that, we honor God and we honor them.

Beloved, let’s see our loved ones to the ship.  Healing is not found in punishing those who God is calling away by nursing a grudge, licking our wounds, giving a cold shoulder, or punishing whoever He supplies to fill that void.  Our healing is waiting for us at the dock. 

Lord, thank You for the loved ones You are asking me to part with.  I confess the pain in my heart and my desire to see things stay the same.  Please strengthen me and give me the courage to see them to the ship.  Give me words of life to speak over them, prayers to pray for them, and acts of service to do for them.  Show me how to bless them and give them a worthy farewell.  Equip them for the road ahead.  Give them peace and joy.  And I pray to find healing for my broken heart at the dock.  Thank You, Lord.  In Your Son’s name, Amen. 

Amanda Jones © Copyright 2007