Philippians 2:25 – 27 “But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.”
Epaphroditus was just a regular guy. He wasn’t an apostle, like Paul. He wasn’t a preacher or a teacher. He was just like me or you, just a member of the Philippian church. But he was extraordinary in his character. The people in the Philippian church obviously trusted him enough to send him with a gift for Paul. They trusted him to stay with Paul, and serve Paul in whatever way was needed. And their trust was well-placed, for Epaphroditus accomplished his assigned task. And then he got sick.
Apparently, he got really sick. He almost died. And when he recovered, his extraordinary character was displayed once again, for this regular guy wasn’t concerned about himself. He was worried about his family and friends, back home, because he knew they were worried about him. This man truly had a servant’s heart, and his concern for others made him a blessing to all who knew him.
There are many people reading this, right now, who will never be preachers or teachers or missionaries. But trust me, if it weren’t for the regular people, the committed lay-people of the church, the work of the Lord would not be accomplished. It is the quiet, behind-the-scenes, in-the-shadows workers that keep the work of the ministry running smoothly. Everyone sees the preacher standing behind the pulpit on Sundays. But, have you ever thought about who places the glass of water for him behind the pulpit? Have you ever thought about who works in the nursery, watching his children so that he can look out and see the supportive smile of his wife? That person is you, or someone like you. A regular person.
So, this entry is dedicated to all the regular people who make the work of the ministry run smoothly. It is dedicated to those who, like Epaphroditus, just want to help in whatever way they can, and do so with a quiet, humble spirit. Your work is important. You are important. Thank you.
Dear Father, Thank you so much for the people who love You so much, they are willing to serve You even when no one sees. Help me to have that kind of heart.
Amen
No comments yet.