March 13, 2025 -- Philippians 2:25-27 -- Sent in holy service

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier and your messenger and minister to my need, for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God has mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
Philippians 2:25-27 ESV
 
Brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ look at the cost of Christian service. When the Spirit of the Lord directs a man to go in holy service he leaves his loved ones. Travel today is much easier than it was in Paul’s day. Today we have faster, better means of communication. Even so, being separated by distance is true separation. Sometimes travel is not even involved, caring for the person God puts into your life will disrupt your usual friendships and routine.
 
Epaphroditus expended himself in service to Jesus Christ. He loved his fellow church members at Philippi. He loved Paul. To spend time with one meant he had to be separated from the others. The journey cost him his health and nearly cost him his life.
 
Dear family in Christ, when Jesus calls you to serve Him, it will cost you dearly. It might be the dangers of travel. It might drain you financially. It might be your reputation that nose-dives because you choose Jesus and associating with His people above everything else. It might be your health that suffers greatly. It might be coping with the misunderstanding of your loved ones who ask why are you going, don’t you love us? It will mean the separation from dear ones to open your heart, time and schedule to those who need you but would otherwise have been crowded out by your current loved ones. It might be many combinations of the sacrifices mentioned above, or others.
 
Epaphroditus touches me. He is dearly loved by Paul. He is no doubt loved by Paul’s fellow missionary, and son in the faith, Timothy. He is dear to the people at Philippi. At great cost to his own personal safety, in devotion to Jesus, he goes and serves. I must ask you this, where is the Spirit of Jesus sending you? Where has He already sent you, but you are resisting? Are you resentful like a horse straining against the reins and nearly falling back on its haunches unwilling to accept the lead?
 
Father in heaven thank You for emptying heaven of the treasure of Jesus, the truest minister to our need, the best messenger. Spirit of the Living God, conquer our hearts so that we will not be resentful, straining against Your direction. Holy Spirit gentle our souls with the endless love of Jesus. So strengthened in Christ we are prepared to go where You send, meet whomever You put into our lives, pay whatever its costs in Your service. Triune God, thank You, that in such service we can never outgive You. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/Bmswv0WolYQ?si=k1k576NU92OoXpVX Here I am
 

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