Seeds for 04/10/2023 - Colossians 4:7-9
Scripture: Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.
Observation: We’ve now come to the end portion of Paul’s letter, in which he moves from teaching and exhortation to personal business—updates on friends and coworkers, passing along messages, giving thanks, and the like.
In the first few verses of this section, we meet the people who seem to be delivering the letter to the Colossians: Tychicus and Onesimus. Onesimus is a former slave who had escaped from another Christian believer, Philemon. Paul claimed Onesimus as a coworker in the Gospel mission and advocated for his freedom.
I don’t remember Tychicus that well myself. It seems the Colossians may not have known him either. So, what can be gleaned here? And what devotional focus might Paul’s notes provide for us?
From Paul’s introduction, we learn two things. First, Tychicus is a stand-up guy in Paul’s estimation—”dear brother… faithful minister… fellow servant.” Second, we see the blessing of having someone who will vouch for you. Paul no doubt appreciates Tychicus delivering this letter while Paul is imprisoned and unable to go there himself. But clearly Tychicus is unknown to the Colossian church and Paul’s word counts for a lot. Whether Tychicus will be delivering the letter and passing through after a few days or settling in for a season, Paul’s recommendation is important for solidifying trust between the Colossians and Tychicus and getting the relationship off on the right foot.
Next, Paul shares his purpose in sending Tychicus—that he may share more about the particulars of his situation and “that he might encourage [their] hearts.” Paul acknowledges the limitations of a letter. Having someone deliver news and share support in person is irreplaceable. Christianity knows something about this. The Incarnation itself is God coming to deliver good news and encourage those who put their faith in Christ.
Application:
When do I have an opportunity to build someone up and put in a good word for them, like Paul does for Tychicus?
In a world of virtual, when is it important to offer support and encouragement “in person,” the way Tychicus is doing on Paul’s behalf with the Colossian Christians? Have you received this in a memorable way?
What else might the Holy Spirit be speaking with you about in the text today?
Prayer: Lord, show me who I can build up in the eyes of others. Show me opportunities to be an encourager for your people. Amen.
“But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)
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