| | | | Your Place in History - Romans 16:13-16 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you. Romans 16:13-16
Have you ever stopped to think about the people that you see in the bible who are only briefly mentioned? This is one of those lists, believers that were connected to the Apostle Paul and the early church. It's easy to blow right past this list of names to the next section of scripture.
But have you ever stopped to wonder… who are these people? What was their role in the church? How did they help Paul? These are questions that will obviously have to wait until we're in heaven to find the answers too (we'll have plenty of time!), but to me it's cool that their names are recorded in the history of the church. Whether they realized it or not, each one of these Christians were all key to the mission that God had given not just to Paul, but to the CHURCH as a whole. They are the legacy of the New Testament church.
But they're also people just like you and I; some working class, some upper class, some lower class, some were slaves, but all of them played a key part in what God was doing in that time, and in that part of the world. All of them were part of Paul's GO (Gospel Outreach) team. They were all engaged in the work of the ministry, each one doing their part.
And whether you realize it or not, if you're a Christian, you too are part of the GO Team - each one of us have a place in the New Testament church, working together to reach our city, and our world, with the gospel message of Christ. And make no mistake, your name, and your work, will be recorded.
You might think "I'll never be in the bible," but if you read through the book of Revelation, you'll see that God has BOOKS... He keeps records… and didn't Jesus promise us:
"And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward."
Matthew 10:42
Just think of how awesome it'll be one day to stand before Christ, and the books will be opened, and people will get to read about your work in the kingdom.
Saint, don't let your chapter be brief. Rise up, accept your calling in the kingdom, engage in the work of the ministry, and take your place in the history of the Kingdom of God.
"Lord, help me to walk out my calling in your plan, and your Kingdom."
Pastor Clay | | | | | | | |
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