Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Colossians 4:7-17.
As Paul comes to the end of this letter, he names several brave people who have come to be near him in prison. One of them, Aristarchus, is a fellow prisoner. Some of them, like Mark and Luke, are familiar to us. Mark is believed to have written one of the gospels, and the Gentile physician Luke wrote both a gospel and Acts. Others whom Paul names here are known only by this one reference, but their work was important; and Paul wanted the Christians in Colossae and Laodicea to know that. This serves as a good reminder to us that some of the most important work in the faith is done by people who are in the background, get no press, and are content to serve in this way.
Reverend Paul Smith, our first Minister of Evangelism, preached a sermon once called, “Be a Piccolo Player.” In it, he emphasized how the piccolo is a really small instrument. Rarely is the piccolo featured in a solo part, and the instrumentalist sits quietly waiting for his or her part. But when it is played, its sound is the perfect complement to the violins and other instruments. That was a great analogy, illustrating our call to be among those who serve in valuable and important ways without notice or fanfare.
Personal Worship Option:
Make a point this week to see those who serve in our church in quiet but valuable ways. There are lots of them! Call or send them a text to say you have noticed and express your appreciation. Then resolve to be one of them.
No comments:
Post a Comment