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Philippians 2:25-30
The Apostle Paul gives recognition to one of his fellow workers and warriors in Christ; Epaphroditus, who is from the church at Philippi but has been working along side of Paul as a part of his ministry team. This is evident in Philippians 2:25 (NKJV) as Paul describes, “Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need;” and has been fulfilling the Philippian’s missionary role as we learn in Philippians 2:30 stating, “30because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.”
Epaphroditus has been sick, and the church at Philippi has received this news. Paul is sending him back to his home church so that they may be reunited and rejoice in seeing each other once again in good health (Philippians 2:28). Paul also instructs the church at Philippi to hold such people in high esteem (Philippians 2:29) as one who is willing to put their life at stake for the sharing of the gospel (Philippians 2:30).
This is a command to lift those up who serve in the mission field for Christ Jesus and put their lives on the line for the work that they do – In Christ.
The Church today continues to support those who work abroad in the mission field, but there are many who do the work of Christ Jesus in their own communities as they reach out to those in need. Jesus declared in John 15:11-17, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another.” We can only accomplish these things if we abide in the love of Jesus as He abides in the love of His Father (John 15:9-10).
Dear LORD,
We lift up all those who are working in the mission fields across the world today, that You would give them guidance and strength as they follow Your will and calling for their lives. Please watch over them and keep them safe and bring them back home to be uplifted and rejoice together in the joy of Christ Jesus. In Jesus name I pray, amen.