Philippians 2:25
He That Ministered

25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

This man is only mentioned here in Philippians but from the testimony given we can know he was trusted by the assembly to take money and deliver it to Paul. Paul also trusted him to return with this letter to the same people that sent him. Even though he was not a famous person well-known throughout the churches of his time, he has become an example to us of a man with the mind of Christ even though he lived and worked in relative obscurity. He had godly zeal, yet like the Lord, “Made Himself of no reputation.” He was “meek and lowly in heart.” He did not want to cause concern in those who knew him. He did not dwell on his sickness. He didn’t want others to worry that they had caused it by sending him on a 700 mile journey with their gift to Paul. Health is not the right of all believers. Sickness is not always the result of sin, and instant healing and miraculous recovery is not always God’s will. Healing is a result of mercy being shown, not our demands and rights being met.

There are characteristics of some from whom we all can learn
The affectionate term of “brother,” is not one we have to earn
But a “companion in labor” is different, for laborers have to choose
Whether they are going to work in the field before the harvest they lose.

There will be opposition and circumstances that are hard to face.
Soldiers who win battles do not always stand in one place.
It is true we have to defend, what has already been gained for God –
But there are other places and people who presently are lost in the world.

A messenger is a person under orders with something urgent to tell.
He has to listen carefully so he has the message’s facts down well.
It involves immediately taking a journey away from the comforts of home,
In order to bring blessing to others – maybe a warning or message to come.

One thing these all have in common is the source from which we begin.
There is a desire to bless the one who had chosen him.
The One who has given the challenge for us to minister too –
Is the Lord who expects those around us to read “The Gospel according to you.”

There are those who need compassion like a needy sister or brother.
Others are out in the harvest field and need another to help in the labor.
Still others are facing opposition either at home or in a distant land –
And a fellow-soldier with a message to give is welcomed to lend a hand.

May I have all of these characteristics and step out with faith in God.
This really is essential if I can honestly own Jesus as Lord.
Such activity also gives meaning to a life that could be mundane,
And the ones we assisted will be glad, and encouraged when we finally came.

“O Lord of the laborers: may I always be ready to assist when asked. May I not push my way into someone else’s work unwanted, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”

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