Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts.”  (Colossians 4:7,8)

Paul concludes his letter to the Colossians by noting the one who will deliver the letter to them. Just as was his custom, he also includes greetings to various friends and helpers.

These personal references help to authenticate the genuineness and authority of the letter. At the same time we also learn of the characteristics and the special relationships Paul sustained with those who serve the Lord with him.

Tychicus first appears in Acts 20:4. He was of the province of Asia, of which Ephesus was capital. He apparently accompanied Paul on his voyage to Jerusalem in A.D. 58. He is most of all noted as a “beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord”.

A disciple’s primary strength and consolation comes through Christ. Being attached to him provides energy to persevere in our walk with God. However, an important avenue through which Christ provides such energy is through the fellowship of other disciples.

To accomplish his purpose, God calls each disciple to find their niche in ministry. Men and women from various walks of life and social rank are united by common calling to serve each other. With this in mind each disciple must recognize their individual talent. With loyalty and humility they must zealously work for the mutual edification of their fellows.

Tychicus was what every disciple should be - a blessing by reason of his fidelity and servant’s heart.  The world is full of those who need the consolation of Christ. Dear reader where do you stand?     

By George Slover       

At the command of the LORD the children of Israel would journey, and at the command of the LORD they would camp; as long as the cloud stayed above the tabernacle they remained encamped. (Numbers 9:18)
 
According to God’s providence, Israel was delivered from slavery in Egypt.  Moses, their fearless leader, was leading them toward the Promised Land.  An assurance of God’s presence was a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night that appeared above the tabernacle.  When the cloud lifted each tribe, according to God’s orders, would set out to march.  When the cloud rested they would make camp according to God’s instruction.  The journey of Israel is a parable of the life of the Christian as he travels from the bondage of sin, through this world, toward the heavenly home.
 
First, observe that it was God who clearly determined their route.   At the command of the LORD the children of Israel would journey, and at the command of the LORD they would camp.  The mapping out of our lives is God’s job and not ours.  This may require abandoning the plans we have made, or the plans friends and relatives have made for our lives.  We must yield to God!
 
Second, note the path is clearly marked.  God gave Israel a clear, visible sign of his intentions.  Today, God provides a simple pattern to follow that is revealed in the New Testament.  Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, (2 Peter 1:2-3).  He left us a blueprint for our daily lives, and gave the local church a pattern to follow in our collective work.  Like Israel, we must respect and follow our Lord’s marching orders.
 
Third, when Israel failed to follow their guide the result (Numbers 14:44, 45) was disastrous. We must never presume to follow our notions rather than the Lord’s commands.  Our greatest need is redemption from sin.  This salvation is only possible by the work of Jesus.  However, Jesus will present us blameless before God only if we continue in the faith.  (Colossians 1:22,23) God will approve of no life unless it is ordered by the gospel.  
 
Is not our life like a journey across a wilderness with the Promised Land as our goal?  Along the way do not forget to give glory to God, acknowledge his ruling hand, and commit your way to Him for the time to come.
 
By George Slover
 

"Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him. "With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles." And the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah." (2 Chronicles 32:7-8)
 
What an encouraging verse!  What a great message of comfort from this godly king.  Hezekiah, the king of Judah, spoke these words.  He was ruling a nation that was surrounded by empires far superior to his in numbers and might.  When the Assyrian army marched up to the gates of Jerusalem it did not look so well for Judah.  However, Hezekiah reminds them that God was on their side.
 
Have you ever felt surrounded by the enemy?  Have you been in situations where you were the only one that stood for what was right?  Have “friends” belittled your integrity or moral purity?  Have they questioned your devotion and desire to worship?  Ever have someone ridicule your “pie in the sky” faith?  Has anyone ever called you a legalist or troublemaker, because you expressed your voice for righteousness?  Or have you faced in family or personal life so-called “insurmountable” challenges?  Perhaps the above verse can encourage you!
 
Other godly men and women have faced similar difficulties and won!  David, victorious over the giant Goliath, said, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” (1 Samuel 17:45)  Jonathan, Israel’s warrior, attacked a garrison of Philistines and won!  This godly warrior understood that: “nothing restrains the LORD from saving by many or by few." (1 Samuel 14:6)
  
God did indeed deliver Judah in taking 185,000 Assyrians in one night!  And, God will stand with us as well in the battles of life.  Remember:  “God and one man makes a majority”!
 
By George Slover

But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid, and struck the Philistine and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, “You shall go out no more with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.”  (2 Samuel 21:17)

It was to be another day at the office for King David. An old well-known enemy, the Philistines, were again at war with Israel. So David and his army went out to fight. However, the venerable warrior walked at a slower pace. The Scriptures say: “and David grew faint”. (vs.15)

Ishbi-Benob, one of the sons of Goliath, would seize the moment and kill David. However, Abishai came to David's rescue. It was then that David's men requested that David no longer go to war. However, David's new position would not diminish his usefulness to Israel.

Having light in the lamp is proof that there is still life and influence. The glory of Israel still depended on David. Such is a tribute to his remarkable character. By his wise counsel and prayer he could still wield his influence.

God calls up on everyone of his children to “let their light shine.”(Matthew 5:16) “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. “ (Philippians 2:14,15)  Jesus tells his disciples to not cover their lamp, but to allow the light of God to be seen by others.

Jesus our Savior is the light of men. By his revelation he enlightens us about sin and unrighteousness. He shows us the value of eternal things. And in times of peril, he provides security.

Enemies of God have tried to extinguish his light. Scoffers have made an attempt to disrupt the influence of Christ. But his light still shines through his marvelous word and his people. Join in with David and Christ and shine the light of God. 

By George Slover
 

By George Slover    |    Visit www.smcofc