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A DEDICATED SERVANT OF THE LORD
LORD’S DAY, MAY 21
Philippians 2:25-30

Acts 20:18-24

 

“…for the work of Christ

he was nigh unto death…”

 

A DEDICATED SERVANT OF THE LORD
 
As Paul sent Epaphroditus back to them, he told them to receive him with all gladness and to regard him highly because of his faithful service to the Lord. Perhaps there might have been a concern that they thought that Paul had rejected him and cut short his service with him prematurely. Paul wrote to dispel any such notions and assured them that he did exemplify the highest commitment in his service to the Lord. Therefore, they should receive him joyfully, and value him for the dedicated servant that he was.
 
At Rome, Epaphroditus had proven to be a faithful servant of the Lord who helped Paul greatly in his time of need. Paul valued his service, recognising him as a dear brother in Christ, a companion in labour, and a fellow soldier of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul gave a further commendation of Epaphroditus’ service in verse 30, that “for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death”! As we had seen earlier, he had risked his life to ensure that he could accomplish his mission. He refused to quit despite his condition, for his concern was not for himself or even his own life, but for the well-being of Paul, and the task that the church had entrusted to him.
 
Perhaps he had fallen ill or gotten injured along the journey that he was taking, and it became hazardous for him to continue. The journey from Philippi to Rome was about 1,300 km over land and sea and would have taken about two months to complete. It was a difficult journey, but he did it anyway because he knew the vital nature of his mission in sending provisions to Paul in prison. This showed the extent to which he was willing to sacrifice even himself for the service of the Lord.
 
How is your commitment in your service to the Lord? Are you willing to put yourself in harm’s way, or sacrifice things that are precious to you if you know that it can bring a blessing to others around you? A dedicated servant of the Lord would not think twice about hazarding their lives for the cause of Christ. Would you?
 
THOUGHT: “Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe.”
PRAYER: Father, may I understand the Gospel debt that I owe, and seek to give my all in service to Thee.

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