Monday after the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity Sunday
Posted on August 24, 2020 by under
Scripture: Ephesians 6:18-24 (NKJV)
6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
21 But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; 22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts.
23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Devotion
“St. Tychicus Lutheran Church…” maybe I’ve missed it, but I haven’t heard of one. Tychicus is one of those folks we hear about in the Bible, yet we know very little about him. He is mentioned in several places in the New Testament, most notably as one who accompanied Paul and was also sent by Paul to churches, as our text for today mentions. However, perhaps the most notable comment we have about Tychicus is these words from Paul, “a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord.”
In these words Paul points out two important facts about Tychicus. First, Paul counts Tychicus as “a beloved brother.” That is no small declaration. Though Paul was an Apostle, a man specially chosen by Christ, Paul understands his status as an Apostle doesn’t make him humanly superior to Tychicus. Paul is but a sinner like Tychicus, and both of them owe everything of their salvation to Christ. What ought to draw our attention is the fact Jesus, who is perfect and holy, thus superior to us in every way, “is not ashamed to call [us] brethren” (Heb. 2:11).
The second important fact about Tychicus is that he is called a “faithful minister.” While we know little about Tychicus’ personal life, Paul draws us to know what is of utmost importance. Tychicus is “faithful” in his ministry, a “faithful” steward of God’s Word and Sacraments.
God provides His Church with faithful pastors. You may not know much about your pastor, but that is not what is important. What is important is that He, too, is your “beloved brother…in the Lord” and is sent by God to bring you God’s gift of forgiveness from sin.
Prayer: O God, grant unto Thy Church faithful pastors. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
