THE “UNSUNG HERO” IN GOD’S VINEYARD II
NOVEMBER 7, 2024
Text: For he came close to death because of his work for Christ, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. (PHILIPPIANS 2:30)
Yesterday’s Reflection
Yesterday, we examined the life of a Bible character named Epaphroditus and how he contributed his quota to kingdom and gospel development. Today, we shall proceed to learn from the lives of other Bible characters who, like Epaphroditus, were selfless and contributed to kingdom advancement even in the absence of a tangible office or position.
Biblical Characters
✅ Onesiphorus: This man contributed greatly to Paul’s well-being when the latter was imprisoned. He provided shelter and other forms of support to him at different times in places like Rome and Ephesus. (2 Timothy 1:16-18)
✅ Tabitha: Also known as Dorcas, she cared for the poor and widows, demonstrating true Christian love and genuine care without desiring to be in the limelight. Her good deeds eventually spoke for her at her death, as the widows clamored for her resurrection by God through His vessel, Apostle Peter. (Acts 9:36-42)
✅ Phoebe: In her capacity as a deaconess of the church at Cenchrea, she supported the ministry of Apostle Paul. The Apostle described her as a “succourer of many.” (Romans 16:1-2)
✅ Aquila and Priscilla: Since they shared the same vocation and calling as Apostle Paul, it was easy for them to connect when they first met at Corinth. This couple lent their time and resources behind the scenes to the growth and spread of the gospel. At one point, they humbly corrected some false teachings being ignorantly propagated by Apollos. All this they did without seeking public attention.
✅ Lois and Eunice: They were Timothy’s grandmother and mother, respectively. Though not prominent socially, they played a huge role in shaping Timothy’s faith behind the scenes. (2 Timothy 1:5)
✅ Barnabas: He was Paul’s first missionary companion during visits to Perga, Antioch, Derbe, Iconium, Lystra, Paphos, etc. Paul was mostly the chief speaker, while Barnabas was a silent encourager and laborer content with working behind the scenes.
✅ Silas: Silas was another of Paul’s companions who unconsciously took on a background role. He accompanied Paul during his second missionary journey to reputable places like Philippi, Ephesus, Corinth, Thessalonica, etc.
✅ Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea: These two were secret admirers of Christ and, by virtue of this, secret laborers for the kingdom. They arranged for Jesus’ burial after His death on the cross.
The above individuals, though often overshadowed by others during certain assignments, still contributed significantly to the growth and advancement of the kingdom. They didn’t hold chief leadership positions, but without them, many recorded successes associated with popular individuals might not have been possible.
SEARCHLIGHT
Position and leadership are valuable, but they aren’t the only platforms to make yourself useful for the kingdom.
PRAYER
Lord, help me be a useful vessel in any capacity I find myself, in Jesus’ mighty name.
BIBLE READING
Hosea 4-6, Mark 7
PST. MICHAEL OMOLE
