Today’s scripture: Ephesians 6:21-23 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Vivian Wyatt):
If we want someone to know something about us today, or if we want to find out how someone is doing, we simply go to social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the like. We share everything on these sites, from what we ate this morning to news that Aunt Minerva died last night. We post our political viewpoints, emotional and/or relationship statuses, and memes that catch our attention. You can spend hours poring over the lives of your friends and family.
Paul wanted the Ephesians to know how he was doing and what he was doing, but did not have social media at his disposal. So he had to send Tychicus to keep the Ephesians informed. He said “Tychicus will tell you everything. He is a dear brother and a faithful minister in the Lord.” What a wonderful thing for Paul to say about Tychicus. He was a friend (dear brother), a confidant (he knew everything), and a good minister (faithful and encouraging). He was the very type of person Paul should send.
Tychicus was a behind-the-scenes kind of guy; we don’t know much about him. He is spoken of in Acts, Ephesians, Colossians, Titus, and Timothy, always as a traveling companion of Paul’s or delivering one of Paul’s letters. He was obviously someone Paul could and did count on. Churches need these kinds of people. People who are faithful, willing to go that extra mile, who have integrity, and who can be counted on. Is that you?
Prayer for the day: God help me to be more like Tychicus. Let me be faithful in my tasks, even if they are not in the limelight. Let me be the one the church can count on. Amen
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.