A friend of mine, Darren Plummer, initiated what he is calling The Colossians Challenge, a 30-day journey through Colossians with people on Facebook. He is calling each person to read the book daily (it’s only 95 verses) and then post insights on the FB wall, if they so choose. As you know if you read my blog, the Lord led me to memorize Colossians this year and by His grace, I completed the book about 3 weeks ago! So now, I am reciting the book of Colossians daily and thought, “hey why not join this journey since I’m already meditating on the book?” We are on Day 5, and I thought that I would go ahead and post brief blog entries too, with the same thoughts that I’m posting on TCC‘s wall.
As I have read Colossians, I am always struck by Epaphrus. He planted and is the pastor of the Church at Colossae–Paul has never even met these people. Paul repeatedly honors Epaphrus:
“…just as you learned [the Gospel] from Epaphrus, our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf.” 1:7
“Epaphrus, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you.” 4:12-13
It is Pastor Appreciation Month, so I thought it was appropriate to focus on Epaphrus’ love, dedication, and faithfulness to his church. Have you expressed your heartfelt appreciation to the men whom God has placed over you in your local church? Have you prayed for them today? Most pastors can be described as faithful, prayerful, hard-working servants of Christ on our behalf, the way Paul characterizes Epaphrus, and it is our privilege to be in their flock.
