Philippians
2:19-30
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you
soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I
have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For
they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But
you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with
me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him
just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I
trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
25 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, 26 for he has been longing for
you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed
he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on
me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the
more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again,
and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord
with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the
work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service
to me.
There may be a lot of travel in this text. Timothy has proven to be worthy son in the Faith to St Paul. In addition St Paul also sends Epaphroditus his fellow worker to the Philippians. This many truly desires to help the Philippians in their mission for Christ, though he has been sick recently. I find this text interesting connecting it with Luke 15, the man who was near death as become well again to now go to them for ministry. The man who we would expect to be faithful, is now gone.
Ultimately this is a lesson in trust. It is a lesson in the plan God has for us, not in our ability. St Paul does not know whether he will get out of prison, but trusts that he will be allowed to travel soon. He has not seen Timothy recently but trusts thT all is well with him, and God is taking care of him on his travels. Likewise, the one who was ill is now made well. He trusted in God to help him (though probably still took use of the Phsician Luke).
Our faith produces trust in God. Our fear provides knowledge of God being in control. Our Love as well as God's love for us, both provide a willingness to work together. We work to proclaim Christ Crucified for the forgiveness of sin, while God has provided this compassionate Sacrifice for us. God has given you people of faith around you to build and strengthen one another in the true faith.
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