“Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus. To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:1-2 NASB
These verses brought me back to the devotion from Portals of Prayer on Ascension Day just twelve days ago. It talked about how when Jesus ascended that day, He passed the baton of ‘making disciples’ to His disciples. And they, passed it along to the next group of believers and from there to the next generation and finally…it’s in your hands.
I chose to share these verses from the NASB because it uses the word ‘saints’ and I know that I have written about them before but here, this is a letter from servants to saints. From Paul and Timothy to all the saints in Christ Jesus; servants are writing to all the saints, pastors, deacons and elders.
Here in assisted living, I eat my three meals a day in the dining room with Bob and George. Bob is a 93 yr old Methodist and George is an 85 yr old who watches his non- denominational church on Sunday. At times, I consider them to be saints to me when I need to be brought a little closer to Jesus. The saints Paul was writing to were ordinary people. They were simple, normal folks like you, Bob, George, this Haitian child and me. We seldom put common names in that light, but we certainly could. Saint Ron, Saint Keith, Saint Candi, Saint Bob, Saint George, Saint Deidre, Saint Kirsten and Saint Char. If I left your name out; I’m sorry, it’s my memory. If I added it; thank you!
The Greek term translated saint is from a word that means “set apart and consecrated for the purpose of God's service.” When you were born into God's family by Holy Baptism in the name of the Holy Trinity, you got that title; Saint. You were set apart for God's special purpose. Consecration is at the core of the word. And now Saint (Your Name), you have been passed that baton from our Risen Savior. Time to go and make some disciples and grow the Kingdom of Heaven.
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay