As
Paul the apostle began his closing thoughts in his letter to the
Colossians, he mentioned “Tychicus” in his remarks. “Tychicus”
whose name means “fateful” was the person who delivered the book
of Colossians to the church located there as well as other letters
Paul wrote. “Tychicus” was
a “beloved brother, and a faithful minister and
fellowservant in the Lord:” to Paul, and in chapter four and
verse eight of his letter to the Colossian church, we learn more of
“Tychicus'” responsibilities where we read:
Whom I have sent unto
you for the same purpose,
that he might know your
estate, and comfort your hearts;
The
verse begins, “Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose,”
Paul wrote, “Whom I have sent unto you” or “bid,
thrust, inserted or carried” to them. Paul's commission for
“Tychicus” was to let the church not only receive his words, but
also to know of his conditions as he was in prison or “for the
same purpose”. However, carrying the letter and letting the
church know how Paul was doing wasn't “Tychicus'” only purpose as
we shall see in the remainder of the verse.
The
verse goes on to say, “that he might know your estate,
and comfort your hearts;” Paul
continued, “that he might know your estate”
or “might know how you are doing”, and then “comfort”
or “to console, to encourage and strengthen by consolation”
“your hearts”. Not only was “Tychicus” to share
the ministry of Paul, but he was to be actively involved in ministry
to the church members at Colosse himself.
Sometimes our tasks of
serving may be as simple as carrying a letter or note like “Tychicus”
did, and still, there may be additional ministry afforded to us when
we do. For “Tychicus”, Paul the apostle entrusted him with taking
his words to the Colossians, and because “Tychicus” was faithful,
we are reading his words today. As we serve the Lord Jesus, let us be
reminded that simple service may lead to some of our greatest
accomplishments. Though at the time they seem menial, even the
smallest acts do not go unobserved by our Heavenly Father.
Next
time Paul shares about a man named “Onesimus”,
so read ahead, and
we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be
Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the
Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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