Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
June 15, 2022
Read Romans 16:1-16
1 I’m introducing our sister Phoebe to you, who is a servant of the church in Cenchreae. 2 Welcome her in the Lord in a way that is worthy of God’s people, and give her whatever she needs from you because she herself has been a sponsor of many people, myself included. 3 Say hello to Prisca and Aquila, my coworkers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life. I’m not the only one who thanks God for them, but all the churches of the Gentiles do the same. 5 Also say hello to the church that meets in their house. Say hello to Epaenetus, my dear friend, who was the first convert in Asia for Christ. 6 Say hello to Mary, who has worked very hard for you. 7 Say hello to Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow prisoners. They are prominent among the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. 8 Say hello to Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. 9 Say hello to Urbanus, our coworker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. 10 Say hello to Apelles, who is tried and true in Christ. Say hello to the members of the household of Aristobulus. 11 Say hello to my relative Herodion. Say hello to the members of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. 12 Say hello to Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who are workers for the Lord. Say hello to my dear friend Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Say hello to Rufus, who is an outstanding believer, along with his mother and mine. 14 Say hello to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who are with them. 15 Say hello to Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Say hello to each other with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ say hello to you.
Good morning! We should greet one another in Christian love!
Through Paul’s words, we are all reminded all those who are part of the body of Christ are significant. Each of us has a job to do and a role to play. "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40, 45, NIV)
It is easy to think that the “face” of any organization is the most important, but we all know that for each “face” there are so many who do so many things to make everything work. In every setting: industry, education, transportation, and religion, the efforts of all are required.
Sometimes we minimize our own role as unimportant. By lifting up workers within his churches, Paul recognizes that all have value. Remember the old saying: “we are only as strong as our weakest link”. The greatest leaders know this and treat those who surround them as “worthy”. The most likely failures believe that everything that is accomplished is because of what they do.
Jesus taught us that all are worthy in the eyes of God as he walked and talked with the oppressed, the outcasts, the slaves, and all those that society stepped over along their journey. Jesus ate with the sinners! Praise God! We are the sinners! Thank you for loving us and seeing our value in the community of faith. Every one of us has unique gifts to offer and a role to play. Being a Christian requires action on our part. Use your gifts to bless others.
Loving and Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. It’s easy to wonder why others were blessed differently than we were. Help us to accept our own gifts and share them lovingly with others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God values the role I play in the body of Christ.
We are all worthy in the eyes of God! Pastor Liz
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