Page 39 - Living Light - A Message of Joy!

Wednesday January 10 - Uncertain travel plans
I hope to send him... as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am
confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. Philippians 2:23-24
In my lifetime, travel has opened up enormously. Foreign holidays, cheap flights and all- inclusive breaks became routine. Then terrorism, the cost of oil and the pandemic changed all that, to say nothing of strikes. Many complain that travel has become a chore and airports, particularly, a nightmare. But these are first-world problems! For Paul they’d be welcome inconveniences.
Paul’s travels were integral to his calling as an apostle to the gentiles. Once churches were planted there was no ‘Zoom’ or ‘Facetime’ by which he could keep in touch. He could write, as he often did, send a representative or – by far the best – go himself. In those days, travelling was back-breakingly arduous and regularly dangerous, not the air-conditioned, comfortable travel of today. But it was worth it to get the message out and to develop young Christ- followers. Added to the ordinary uncertainties, here Paul is unsure about his plans because he doesn’t know whether he’ll leave his prison – free to travel widely again or just to make the short distance to the executioner’s block (Phil. 1:19-26). So he sends Timothy in advance, in case...
Planning is wise but always uncertain. We never know what will happen tomorrow (James 4:14). We make our plans, but God has the final say (Proverbs 16:1, 3 & 33). He is always sovereign, and that’s good, because our lives are safer in his hands than in ours.
Sovereign Lord, I humbly commit my plans to you. But please will you establish your plans for me. Amen.
Thurs January 11 - The lesser-known Epaphroditus ...Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your
messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs Philippians 2:25
Timothy is well-known, Epaphroditus hardly known at all. His name only crops up here and in 4:18. His background is largely speculation. His name, which means ‘charming’, suggests that his family were worshippers of the goddess Aphrodite. So, at some time he, and perhaps they, were converted to Christ. We are on surer ground in knowing that the Philippian church sent him with a financial gift to help Paul out. In doing so, he became a much-loved partner on Paul’s team.
Tomorrow we’ll discover his weaknesses. But whatever they are, that doesn’t stop Paul describing him warmly, as only Paul would. He’s not just a worker and a soldier for Christ but a co-worker and fellow soldier. Paul, typically, inserts the little Greek word ‘sun’, before the usual words for worker and soldier, to emphasise their colleagueship in the gospel.
Paul is human and in need of support and care, even though he is an ‘A-type’ personality – an energetic and up-front leader. So, it’s noteworthy that he regularly displays humility and recognises that God does not often work through solo agents but through teams and partnerships, which not only preach the gospel but demonstrate it in their relationships. This teaches us to shun hierarchy and pride and to thank God for the unknown ‘Epaphrodituses’ whose service is crucial for the spread of the gospel.
Thank you, Lord, for those who follow the pattern of Epaphroditus – whose humble service to me and the church make the work of the gospel possible. Amen.
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PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY