stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 2:19)

Technology has made connecting with friends and family in distant places an instant reality.  Last week I video-chatted with missionaries in Portugal and India.  I recently counseled a couple I’m marrying through video who lives in a different state.  These advancements in communication were foreign to Paul.  His letter to the Philippians may have taken months to reach them.  Paul had encouraged the Philippians in 1:27-2:18 and would return to that in 3:1-4:8, but it seems he took a moment to communicate his desire to visit the church at some point in the future.  

Two gospel partners are mentioned in this section.  Timothy and Epaphroditus were men of good character and served Paul in prison.  Timothy was Paul’s colleague in ministry (1:1), and Paul intended to send him on mission again to encourage and help the Philippian church.  Paul hoped to send Timothy to them “in the Lord Jesus Christ.”  He believed it was God’s will to send Timothy to them.  Sending people on mission for the gospel is God’s will! Paul could not go at that moment, but Timothy, it seems, could soon.  While some may be unable to go on mission for various reasons (health, financial, etc.), others can. I’ve always said you can pray, give, and go regarding world missions.  Everyone can pray, most can give, and some can go.  Those who can give should help others go on mission.  

Paul wanted to send his letter to the Philippians and hoped to receive news about them in return.  I love giving to missions to send missionaries around the world.  I also love hearing reports from them.  Both are acts of encouragement.  Both bring joy!  Last year, our church sent a family to India as missionaries.  What joy it brought me to give to them when they visited about nine months later.  I received greater joy when I got the opportunity to visit with them in India!  I recently rejoiced with them in receiving good news about something critical we had been praying for. I plan to do the same with a family we sent to Portugal!

Paul was forward-thinking in his missionary work.  He planned to help further the gospel.  Prison would not stop his evangelistic efforts.  If he could not go, he would send someone else.  It seemed nothing would stop his desire to see more people come to Christ and encouragement to the church.  I pray nothing prevents us from advancing the gospel.  Sending and receiving people and news for gospel work should bring us joy!

Questions for the Head (Think)

• How are you sending and receiving the joy of the Lord?

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• As you worship, think about times you’ve heard and given good ministry news.  Let this fuel your worship for a few moments.

Action for the Hands (Do)

• What missionaries do you know?  How could you send them encouragement?  Is it possible to visit them?  Could you help send someone else financially?