Be a Tychicus
Be a Tychicus
As you come to the end of the movies, you see a long list of credits. There is recognition for almost everyone. There are the writers, producers, videographers, photographers, and including the janitors in some cases. The list of credits says to me that everyone is important and not just the main actors and actresses.
As we come to the end of our study of the Letter of Apostle Paul to the Ephesians, one important credit is mentioned - Tychicus. Listen to Paul in Ephesians 6:21-24:
21 But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; 22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts.
23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Please meet brother Tychicus (bro Ty) the letter carrier. He is also mentioned in Acts 20:4, Colossians 4:7, 2 Timothy 4:12 and Titus 3:12 (Check him out). Before we pay attention to Ty’s supporting role, first note who he is. Paul calls him a “beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord”. Who we are is more important than what we do. Ty is a beloved brother. He is dear and loved by Paul and the Lord. When we see people for who they are, then we appreciate what they do.
Ty is also a “faithful minister in the Lord”. The word here for minister is same as “servant”. Ty has a servant heart and his head is not big with pride and ego. He is serving “in the Lord”; therefore he is willing to do anything for his Lord and savior. This is enough to transform our work habits and attitudes.
As followers of Christ, we cannot demand where we serve and who we serve. God orchestrates that. In fact this was done long ago. “10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” Ephesians 2:10. Serving (good works) does not save and it is never a substitute for salvation. You must be saved by grace alone in order to serve properly. Are you saved? Have you believed and trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
Think about Ty’s important supporting role. Without Ty's obedience and carrying thru we may not be reading Ephesians today. What if on his way to Ephesus he goes to do his own thing and lose the letter?
We must be diligent in every task at hand. “23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for[a] you serve the Lord Christ” Colossians 3:23-24. Our roles changes from time to time so don’t feel stuck. God knows you.
What supporting role are you playing at this time? You may be the prime actor right now like apostle Paul writing, but we all play supporting roles at one time or the other. The problem with support function is that they are usually not noticed unless one highlights it. Let God highlight your supporting role and reward you. Being at the limelight is not the goal but faithfully doing whatever God has you doing for now brings Him glory. Please be at peace at where you are now and enjoy whatever you do.
I can think of many like Ty. We just celebrated Mother’s Day. What a great supporting role. My wife and many mothers are Tychicus and they are doing great jobs that often go unnoticed. Thank you mothers.
Note that Ty’s primary assignment was to bring comfort to the Ephesians who were worried about Paul’s welfare due to imprisonment. “I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts”. In a support role, we must make life better for the people we serve. This is what Jesus did for us – he died for us that we may live. There is a dying and a sacrifice in serving. Our words must also speak life into the people we serve – words of grace, comfort and healing.
Be a Ty for life. Let’s serve with compassion, diligence, excellence and love for all people. Lord, I thank you for all you have placed in my hands to do both at home and outside the home. Lord, help me to be a Ty and grant me the grace to serve. Help me remove any complaining and murmuring spirit in my service “in the Lord”. May my life bring you praise and glory forever. Amen.
As you come to the end of the movies, you see a long list of credits. There is recognition for almost everyone. There are the writers, producers, videographers, photographers, and including the janitors in some cases. The list of credits says to me that everyone is important and not just the main actors and actresses.
As we come to the end of our study of the Letter of Apostle Paul to the Ephesians, one important credit is mentioned - Tychicus. Listen to Paul in Ephesians 6:21-24:
21 But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; 22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts.
23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Please meet brother Tychicus (bro Ty) the letter carrier. He is also mentioned in Acts 20:4, Colossians 4:7, 2 Timothy 4:12 and Titus 3:12 (Check him out). Before we pay attention to Ty’s supporting role, first note who he is. Paul calls him a “beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord”. Who we are is more important than what we do. Ty is a beloved brother. He is dear and loved by Paul and the Lord. When we see people for who they are, then we appreciate what they do.
Ty is also a “faithful minister in the Lord”. The word here for minister is same as “servant”. Ty has a servant heart and his head is not big with pride and ego. He is serving “in the Lord”; therefore he is willing to do anything for his Lord and savior. This is enough to transform our work habits and attitudes.
As followers of Christ, we cannot demand where we serve and who we serve. God orchestrates that. In fact this was done long ago. “10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” Ephesians 2:10. Serving (good works) does not save and it is never a substitute for salvation. You must be saved by grace alone in order to serve properly. Are you saved? Have you believed and trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
Think about Ty’s important supporting role. Without Ty's obedience and carrying thru we may not be reading Ephesians today. What if on his way to Ephesus he goes to do his own thing and lose the letter?
We must be diligent in every task at hand. “23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for[a] you serve the Lord Christ” Colossians 3:23-24. Our roles changes from time to time so don’t feel stuck. God knows you.
What supporting role are you playing at this time? You may be the prime actor right now like apostle Paul writing, but we all play supporting roles at one time or the other. The problem with support function is that they are usually not noticed unless one highlights it. Let God highlight your supporting role and reward you. Being at the limelight is not the goal but faithfully doing whatever God has you doing for now brings Him glory. Please be at peace at where you are now and enjoy whatever you do.
I can think of many like Ty. We just celebrated Mother’s Day. What a great supporting role. My wife and many mothers are Tychicus and they are doing great jobs that often go unnoticed. Thank you mothers.
Note that Ty’s primary assignment was to bring comfort to the Ephesians who were worried about Paul’s welfare due to imprisonment. “I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts”. In a support role, we must make life better for the people we serve. This is what Jesus did for us – he died for us that we may live. There is a dying and a sacrifice in serving. Our words must also speak life into the people we serve – words of grace, comfort and healing.
Be a Ty for life. Let’s serve with compassion, diligence, excellence and love for all people. Lord, I thank you for all you have placed in my hands to do both at home and outside the home. Lord, help me to be a Ty and grant me the grace to serve. Help me remove any complaining and murmuring spirit in my service “in the Lord”. May my life bring you praise and glory forever. Amen.
Comments