Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 28th. Edition.
Dear Royal Priests (and Priestesses),
You will remember that yesterday, we saw in Philippians 2:14-18, how we ought to comply without complaining and cling to Christ. Our passage today is verses 19-30. In this passage, we are presented with two men of exemplary character. Timothy, a Sincere Son, verses 19-24. Paul says of Timothy, “I have no one else like him.” Timothy is not motivated, as so many others, by self-interest. Care for others is what drives Timothy. This is because he is a man of proven character. This is why Paul would entrust his most delicate missions to him, such as checking on the Philippians, who are very dear to Paul.
Epaphroditus, a Selfless Soldier, verses 25-30. Epaphroditus was sent to Rome by the Philippians to take a gift to Paul. While in Rome, he took gravely ill. But his concern was not for himself. Rather, he was distressed that his church family would worry about him! Paul describes him as a brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, even though he was a messenger of the church. It is interesting that Paul commends Epaphroditus to the Philippians. In the first place, they are the ones who chose him. They must have done so because they were confident of his reliability. All the same, Paul feels it is necessary to add to Epaphroditus’ credentials. The man’s Commitment was such that he risked his life in order to be of service to the apostle. It would have been enough to deliver the gift and turn around, make his way home right away. But no, he was committed.
What of you and me? Are we in Christ for what we can get out of it? Do we fulfill only the basic requirements? We can learn from these two men; Timothy – Care for others embedded in Character; Epaphroditus – Concern for others and Commitment to the task.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.