Stress Test Devotional May 4
May 04, 2024
PHILIPPIANS 2:22-24 | 22 But Timothy’s worth you know, how like a son with a father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him as soon as I see how things go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that I will also come soon.
Paul is not only getting ready to send Timothy as an emissary and connector to Philippi, but he is also setting the tone of the encounter. He is in fact writing Timothy a recommendation, reminding the Philippians of his worth and intimacy with Paul. He is “like a son” to the apostle. Paul’s letters were of such value that they were circulated among his many churches, so this recommendation would have echoed around the Mediterranean world.
In a recommendation, we deploy our credibility and judgement in the service of someone else. In doing this, we multiply their joy, because nothing is more encouraging and uplifting than a ringing endorsement.
Who can you boast with a sincere recommendation?
Gracious God,
Let me exercise the joyous power of sincere recommendation. May I set the tone of encounters that bring life, health, and peace.
Amen.
