New Wineskins
Have you praised those special to you lately? We take them for granted don’t we? Our parents will always take care of us, our wives will always be there for us, our husbands will always provide for us. At the end of the book of Romans, which is an intensely theological letter, Paul finishes by sending personal greetings and praising those he knows in the church at Rome. It doesn’t make sense from one perspective. This gets as much biblical space as the incredible verses in Romans 8 or Romans 12. Yet Paul knew something, not just as an author but a pastor: always take an opportunity to thank those around you for their work for the Lord.
1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.
5 Greet also the church that meets at their house.
Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.
6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.
7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.
8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.
9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.
10 Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test. Romans 16:1-10
Paul goes on for another six verses, but you get the point. Who can you intentionally thank today for their work for the Lord?
PRAYER: Thank you Lord, for those who have poured into me and have helped me become the disciple that I am. May you honor them for their service to You. Amen.
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