Co-workers
Good Morning,
Following the ministry of Paul, we see that Titus and Demas left him. Paul’s other writings indicate many others who walked away from Paul and back to their old lives (or whatever it was they picked instead of the ministry).
In John 6, Jesus asked the apostles, “Will ye also go away?” Our Lord also had followers leave His side.
The first admonition of our Lord is to deny ourselves. Paul used comparisons such as sheep being led to the slaughter and dying daily. The life of Christian service is difficult, and some people simply do not keep going in the fight.
Candidly speaking, some of our friends will not finish their course. Paul made the exclamation, “I have kept the faith, I have finished my course,” meaning that it was a great success to stay on track to the end. He also indicated that it is not uncommon or surprising that some do not finish the race.
The Lord told of seeds that were sown in a place where they did not sprout, and of other seeds that grew for a time and wilted in the heat; yet some seeds brought forth fruit. Remember that even the fruit-bearing seeds varied: some thirty, some sixty, and some an hundred fold. (Matthew 13:8, 23)
This is not a despondent lesson today, but a reminder that road we travel is not easy, and some situations simply do not end well; be wary of weariness, sinfulness, selfishness, or the attacks of the wicked one.
Of the churches in Revelation 2-3, we read correction directed toward all but one. Churches have people in them; people are frail, and therefore churches slip, drift, and need revival or correction. If the problem is not fixed, the church may lose its candlestick from its place. (Revelation 2:5) Churches, like individuals, do not all stay on track.
Among the Apostles there were three who were brought into special situations where others were left aside; Peter, James, and John found their way into unusual intimacy with the Lord.
Paul said we are to war a good warfare and to fight the good fight, and Peter said to resist Satan steadfast in the faith. We are at war; some soldiers are special forces, some win the Medal of Honor for valor, some will serve well, and some will turn from the truth. (2 Timothy 4:4)
Recently, I found a box of old photo albums. While, looking through forty years of pictures, I see dear friends who served and joined us in ministering the Gospel to the lost at home and across the ocean. Sadly, many of them now sit idly in church, and some do not attend church at all. Some are the dearest of co-laborers, others could not speak a word of kindness towards me. Wherever they are today, I would not have missed the joy of serving with them for anything. We had wonderful times together. Although I miss them, I do not want to miss the next opportunity to take part in preaching in a park, running a camp, teaching a class, or visiting a widow. I love the dinners, beach barbecues, big days, and Vacation Bible School – and I anticipate the next ones!
My memories and love of friends from the past is clear, but I have no intention of missing out on tomorrow. I will press on with new friends or no friends, as God gives grace. Did you ever considered how many times the apostles must have sat talking and remembering things they did, and then Judas’ name entered the conversation? I am sure the names of other dear friends who had left their work were mentioned along the way, and they reminisced over great works that were accomplished, even though they had not seen that good friend for a long time. It had to have happened many times, even if was only remembered in their hearts and minds. A great work needed to be done, and they “turned the world upside down.”
We do not all finish the race; we do not all end the race the same, and the rewards at the end will most certainly be different. May we be found faithful.
Pastor