“You ever have a Tychicus?” Stan asked me one morning.
“Not sure,” I replied, “what do they taste like?”
“Tough question,” Stan said, “because it’s a person, not something to eat.”
“A person? What kind of person?”
“One who tells you how someone else is doing,” Stan replied. “At least that’s what I saw when I was looking at the apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus.”
I didn’t say anything, so he continued. “Near the end of Paul’s letter, he mentions that he was going to send a dear friend and brother in Christ to tell the people about Paul’s circumstances and how he was doing.”
“Oh,” I said, “like a messenger. You ever have anyone like that?”
“All the time,” Stan replied, “if I care enough and am open to listening to what other people have to say.”
Continuing, he added “Just for example, the other day I ran into somebody I hadn’t seen for a while. She told me about a mutual friend who is going through some rough times. Because of what she told me, I was able to reach out to our mutual friend with some help.”
“So,” I replied, “the first person was kind of like a Tychicus to let you know how someone else was doing. Is that it?”
“Yeah,” Stan said, “except I do see a difference. Paul sent Tychicus; I think God sends people into our lives to be like a Tychicus to let us know how other people are doing so we will know how we can help them.”
“What kind of help?” I ask.
“Depends on what they need,” Stan replied. “And I will only know that if I listen to those people God sends into my life.”
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Bible verses to consider:
But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you. And I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts. Ephesians 6:21-22.
As to all of my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow-bondslave in the Lord, will bring you information. For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. Colossians 4:7-8.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for the people you send into my life to let me know how other people are doing. I confess that too often I do not seek to find out how others are doing and how I might help them because I am too self-focused and do not care the way you intend. Please forgive that foolishness. And please, Father, help me in following every step of your lead so I am receptive to every “Tychicus” you send into my life for your purposes. Please open me to listen to how others are doing and know how you want me to help them in any way they may need. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Do you believe God sends people into your life to let you know how others are doing and how you might help them? Has that ever happened to you? If so, what was your response? If it has not happened, why do you think that might be? If you sense the need to be more open to hearing from a “Tychicus,” how is that going to happen? Is that what you want? Why or why not?
Waiting for the Train 