True Sacrifice

Philippians 2:17-30

Timothy and Epaphroditus
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.

Bee's Thoughts:

I was just talking to a friend today and ended up talking about people who joined the militay force. This friend jokingly (I hope) said that those people who joined the military force are "insane". Hmmn... I am not sure about other countries, but as for SG I am proud of those who are serving in the military. For without them SG wouldn't be as safe as it has been.

Like Timothy and Epaphroditus, such people have sacrifice their lives to do the works that others don't want to do in order that many can have something better. The bible teaches us to "honor" such men (v29). In fact, we should pray for them that they would persevere in what they are doing. I thank God for these people.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for people who are willing to do the 'dirty works' and to sacrifice their life in order to make life better for others. Thank You for the missionaries who have risked their lives in order that others can hear the gospel and be saved. May You continue to strengthen them and give them grace each day. Let me be willing when you call me to do likewise one day.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.