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     Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and explained to him the way of God more accurately. Acts 18:24-26

Dear Lord Jesus, there are many things I love in this story. I’m thankful that, as with Apollos, so it is with us: We’re useful in your kingdom long before we’ve get every theological “t” crossed, and every doctrinal “i dotted just right. Ultimately, it’s not how much we know, but Who we know, that wins the day. I praise you for revealing more of yourself to Apollos, even as you have been faithful to do in my life.

And, Jesus, I treasure the picture of a husband and wife offering hospitality, and ministering the gospel, together. The little I know of Priscilla and Aquila leads me to pray for marriages in general. O, that more of us spouses would live as partners in the gospel and co-saboteurs of the kingdom of darkness; rather than frittering our years away on less noble pursuits and passions.

There are so many different story lines clamoring for our marriages—so many distractions and seductions. A marriage, just like singleness, is too precious a gift to spend on selfishness, pettiness and non-intentional living. Bring more gospel sanity to our marriages, Jesus. Rescue us, resuscitate us, refresh us.

Lastly, Jesus, I’m convicted and drawn to Apollos’ teachability. Make and keep me that kind of man. I don’t want to suffer from “hardening of the categories” as I get older. Continue to explain to me “the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26), through whomever you choose—children, PhDs, married couples, my wife, saints of old long since in heaven—that’s your call, Jesus. Free me from my provincialism, prejudices, and presumption.

Jesus, I’m hungry for you to show me where you “show up” in every portion of Scripture. We matter, but you are the point of all things. I also ask you to expand my understanding of life lived “in line with the truth of the gospel” (Gal. 2:14), until the Day when knowing in part gives way to worshiping you in full. So very Amen I pray, in your all-sufficient and glorious name.

 

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