Scripture

And say to Archippus, “Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you.”

Observation

The letter concludes with personal greetings.

Paul is sending to Tychicus and Onesimus with the letter to give reports on what the Lord is doing.

Aristarchus and Mark send greetings, along with Justus. Epaphras and Luke also send greetings.

Paul tells the church to encourage Archippus to be sure to carry out the ministry that the Lord had given him.

Application

We don’t know who this Archippus was or what the ministry was that God had called him to do. But Paul thought it was important enough to mention.

I often wonder how many people get an idea about ministry, perhaps a conviction, but they failed to follow through. I know of some people who would definitely called by the Lord to be pastors,but they chose to say”No” to God. Perhaps others have been called to be missionaries, or to be evangelists, or simply to oversee the church’s children’s ministry, and they fail to say “Yes”.

Some people feel overwhelmed by the idea of serving the Lord. They might feel unworthy or unable. But God knows our limitations, and He equips us for the tasks to which He calls us.

Some people lead very complicated lives and struggle with drugs, alcohol, and juggling children from multiple relationships. Life can be messy, but again God uses all of this.

Whatever reason there is for avoiding doing the ministry, we need to remember that God is bigger.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for the knowledge that you can enable me and equip me for the tasks you are calling me to do. Amen