• In the Middle Ages there was a group of men who called themselves The Gamblers. Wherever there was sickness or suffering, plagues or pestilence they would take their lives into their own hands - gamble against all odds - to help others. They willingly gambled with their lives for the good of others.
• But they were not the first to do this. The Apostle Paul talks about one of his co-workers: Epaphroditus. In speaking of him, he wrote, "he risked his life for the work of Christ and he was at the point of death while trying to do for me the things you couldn't do because you were far away."
• We do not know very much about Epaphroditus. We do know that he delivered money to Paul while he was in prison. We do know that he helped Paul during a time of great physical and financial need. We do know that he became sick while he was staying with Paul. And we do know that Paul trusted him to deliver a most important "thank-you" letter to the church at Philippi.
• The world honors those who are recognized for being rich, athletic, wealthy, entertaining, and intelligent. But here we see God recognizing and honoring a servant. And Paul also said, "Welcome him with Christian love, great joy, and be sure to honor people like him." A simple servant, honored eternally, for taking a risk for God.
• Prayer: We are reminded, Lord, of those who do for You what few are willing to do. Thank You for the missionaries who serve You quietly. Honor them greatly. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
• Scripture for Today: Philippians 2:25-25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-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 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.