Tidings for Tuesday
And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. Colossians 4:17
The old man had been busy in the past several years, devoting himself to being a help to others in the Assembly. After God reached and saved him, he had been diligent in the Word and in attending to the needs of the saints. When the great apostle Paul had been in the city, the old man had accompanied him, helped him with the work that needed to be done, and had even assisted Paul in preaching the Gospel. Together, they had been harrassed and beaten by the authorities, but they had persevered, and had seen a number of souls saved. After Paul departed, the old man had continued to preach and to serve the Lord’s people faithfully. But he fell sick and was laid aside. Now, as he strugged to regain his health and strength, he was unsure of whether there was a place for him to occupy in service, or whether he should step aside and let the younger men take over his former duties. But his uncertainty vanished the day Paul’s letter arrived.
Archippus struggled to his feet as his dear friend Philemon entered the room. His face beaming, Philemon thrusts the letter in his hand in front of Archippus’ face. ‘Look, Brother,’ Philemon exclaims, ‘a letter from Paul. And he specifically mentions you!’ Quickly Archippus scans the letter and finds the section indicated by Philemon. ‘An answer to prayer,’ he replies with a smile. If the apostle believed he should finish out his days in service to the Assembly, Archippus is willing to accept that as God’s will. Paul’s advice to Archippus, directed by the Holy Spirit, is good advice for you and me today.
Is there ever a time when you or I have no more service to render to God’s people? Even if we are physically unable to tend to the needs of the Assembly, there are still areas of service for us. We can pray for the company, and for each individual within it. We can be an encouragement to those who visit. We can make a phone call, send a letter, or otherwise contact people who are in need of a friendly word. But we can serve, and should serve, God’s people for as long as we can in every way that we can.
Has God given you a ministry to perform? Do your best to fulfil it. -Jim MacIntosh