Ephesians 6:21- 22 “Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.”
Hmmmmm . . . Tychicus. Who is this guy? Paul seems to mention him out of the blue. He is mentioned in two other places by Paul (2 Timothy 4, Titus 3), so he must have been a trusted friend. We do know that he was from Asia Minor. And that’s about all the information we have on this guy.
But if we read between the lines a little, we can probably figure out a lot more. Paul considered him a trusted friend. He sent Tychicus to bring news and encouragement to the Ephesian church. Paul called him a dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord. And his name is mentioned three times in the Bible.Three times! Now, you’ve gotta admit, that’s pretty impressive.
Friends, we can’t all be a Paul, or a Peter, or a John. We can’t all be out front, with big names and reputations. God only calls a few to be famous preachers. But He calls every single one of us to be faithful servants.
While Paul was loudly proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, while he was writing letters and converting thousands to Christianity, Tychicus was there. He was behind the scenes. He supported Paul, and offered his friendship. He ran errands for Paul. He did what needed to be done, quietly and without much recognition. He didn’t need to be in the spotlight. He just wanted to serve his Lord.
Though other people may not notice our quiet service, God sees everything. He knows. And He always, always rewards His faithful servants. While Tychicus was working behind the scenes, God was working through the Holy Spirit, directing Paul in his writing. And God made sure Tychicus’ name was recorded not once, not twice, but three times in His written Word to us. God’s Word is the best-selling book of all time. And Tychicus is there, in black and white. He was a dear brother. A faithful servant.
Remember the popular jingle that played a while back – “I want to be like Mike”, referring to NBA star Michael Jordan? Well, friends, I’ve decided to change the words to that jingle. “I want to be like Tyke!” How about you?
Dear Father, Thank you for faithful, quiet servants like Tychicus. Please help me to serve faithfully behind the scenes, in whatever ways I can.
Amen
Renae, as I look about my life I seem to notice so very many quiet faithful servants. When we pause they just seem to “bob” up. And, I realize that without even thinking about it most of the time these are the people in my life that mean so much to me. I want to just thank God for them right now!
And, for the post this week-end -WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don’t know about everyone else, but if I have a molecule in my body that holds me together and and it is in the shape of the Cross, that really
REALLY makes me feel GOOD – all the time. I have referred many people to that post since Saturday all the way to my pastor. Awesome. Thanks. I love you.
I agree. What would we do without the people in our lives who are faithful friends and servants of the Lord? Those people make life better for all of us, don’t they?
–r
xx
I want to be a little tyke.
Amrita, from what I know about you, you already are! 🙂
‘Little tyke’ in Yorkshire is a loveable rogue!
Funny! Well, I have a couple of those living at my house . . . one is 6 years old, the other 44! 🙂