Helpers

 

     Diane and I had our pictures taken recently for a new church directory.  Cameras are wonderful things and can convey a number of characteristics in the various poses that the photographer uses.  This last set of photos was like being in a photo shoot as about 50 pictures were taken of each of us.  Cameras have come a long way over the past 100 years.  The digital age makes it possible to shoot several thousand pictures on one memory card.  That is quite a change from the use of plates for a single shot or even a roll of film that went from 12, 24 or even 36 shots per roll.  Missionaries are able to tell more of there work to the supporters back home by using the camera.  What did the Apostle Paul use?   Romans 16:3-6 says,"Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:  Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.  Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.  Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us." 

       This is but a small sample of the content of Chapter sixteen.  Almost the entire chapter can be called Paul's snapshot of the evangelical team that helped him in various ministries.  In some cases, this is all we know about that person, but their names are recorded for all eternity in God's Word.  The ministries that we have have always been influenced by those who are around us at that time.  I can give praise for people like Levi and Erma, Pastor Randy and Zoann, Flint and Mary Ann, Monroe and Lois, Gary and Rita and the ministry they had in their house.  When we look at the sixteenth chapter of Romans, we may go over it quickly thinking, "It is just a list of names."  The list contains the names of those who were Paul's coworkers and we can do the same thing today.  At times, we even do it with the camera as pictures from the past tell of the ministries that have gone on through the years.  You nor I can do everything.  We need help.  Right on the top of the list is the help that come from God and then the list expands to include those in our lives that have become blessings.  They are blessings, not only to us, but to the countless people they blessed by their influence and presence in their lives.  So, praise God today for giving us all coworkers for the ministries in which God has placed us.  Write your own "sixteenth chapter" and list the people who have been helping in your ministries.