27/04/2016 - EVERYONE MUST BE COMFORTED

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and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me.    Colossians 4:11

Paul – the persecutor of the Christian faith that became a giant in evangelizing, and at this moment, was imprisoned in Rome – did not have many people who he could count with. However, if on one side, that made him feel lonely or abandoned, on the other hand, he could seek more of the Lord and enjoy of this incomparable presence. However, the servants of God need helpers, who seek the Most High and serve Him. The truth is that nothing lacks for those who obey Jesus’ Go. 

Why do some people who were helped by our ministry did not understand the vision given by the Most High to us and left to other places, are like fish out of water, breathing with difficulty? They could be with us, learning and helping us to do much more. However, many times, envy, greed and other personality’s defects speak much louder than the voice of the Lord. The brethren should always live in unity (Psalm 133:1). 

Few people have the wisdom of not backing away from those who walk close to God and do what He has commanded them to do. Now, if they take part in the battles, they too will enjoy of the glory. The Word declares that the man who isolates himself seeks his own desire, because, even if apparently he attains more material resources or glory, undoubtedly, if they obey the Master, they will receive much more (Prov 18:1). 

God will not force you to do anything; however, if you were able to gather 10 talents when you were away from Him, you will gather 300, 600 or 1000 if you are beside Him. Why not be a Barnabas, Paul´s helper, if the Most High has called you for that? Now, those who do not follow the orders God gives are not fit to be servant. Only those who are found fulfilling their mission when Jesus returns will be blessed (Matthew 25:14-46). Be careful!

Amazingly, those who stood besides Paul in Rome were a fugitive slave and a group from the circumcision. Where were the others? Doing the work of God or involved with sin? Why let yourself be stained by dishonesty and live in prostitution and other transgressions, if you were called to accomplish one of the most important missions given by the Creator? 

There is no greater blessing than being able to be a cooperator to those who have a special calling in the work of God. In this case we are studying, Paul was sent to Rome to bear witness to Jesus before the man who commanded the world at that time. The loss that the Kingdom of Heaven will have because of someone’s carnality will bring a much greater condemnation to this person. 

The apostle felt comforted by the presence and by the ministry of those God places besides you. Therefore, never complain of anything. If you lack friends, Jesus is the best of them; if you lack resources, the Lord will provide, in Christ Jesus, each one of them (Phi 4:19). Nothing will lack to those who are truly sent by God. 

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares