Philippians 2:19—3:1a (NRSV) 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. 3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord.
My first reaction to reading this section is to feel very guilty. Paul praises Timothy for how concerned he is for the Philippians. He praises, and sends back, Epaphroditus, who almost died when he came to bring support from the Philippians to Paul in prison. He risked his life for support of the Gospel. Other people that Paul has in mind are not so deeply involved in the mission of the church. Where do I fit? Where before the Lord? The church? The congregation?
I worked as an orderly for three years while at the seminary in Saint Louis. I remember going from one person to another, with usually about 10 patients to care for per shift. I was rarely done with my charting more than a few minutes before shift change. But I had minor surgery during that time (tonsils and adenoids- a friend reported it on the midnight KFUO news, describing my condition as “adequate.” And he became a doctor!). But except for that friend, also an orderly then, stopping by, and one brief visit from the nurse, I saw no one. It would have seemed to me from that experience that no one cared, though I “knew” they were caring for others. I knew I was busy in what I was doing. But …
Ring the bell! Put the light on! Call! Send me a message! If there are things on your heart that you need or want to discuss with me in person, please let me know. Some visits are easier in the summer, when less is planned regularly at church. Please do not assume that I am too busy for what is on your heart. It may be about you or someone you love. You help me to prioritize what needs to be addressed as we walk together in the light of our Lord’s salvation and the challenges between now and eternity. Mention something as you leave the worship service or Bible Class. If something has happened to keep you from coming, let’s talk it over in Christian fellowship. I have regular tasks to perform. But I can carve out time as needed. Help me to bring your concerns before the Lord, who loves you.
Pastor Tom Trapp, Mission Pastor
Walking the Emmaus Road with the Risen Lord
(Originally published in Emmaus Footprints, Vol. XV, Number 11, June 2014)