Comfort

But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:  Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.

Ephesians 6:21-22

Christ ‘knows our frame and remembers that we are dust.’  Because He does, He knows that we often become discouraged by adverse circumstances, both our own and of others whom we love.  Because the Ephesians had deep love and high regard for Paul, they would have been saddened and perhaps distraught because of his being in prison.  Paul, being aware of their spiritual condition, wanted them to know of his situation more fully.  To this end he sent Tychicus to ‘make all things known to you.’  The purpose was ‘that he may comfort your hearts.’  Christ takes good care of His people.  He uses one person to minister to another portion of His Body.  By doing this favor for Paul, Tychicus was effectively ministering to both Paul and the Ephesians.  He was comforting Paul, because Paul would know that the Ephesians were well informed.  He would comfort the Ephesians by clearly setting forth the affairs of their father in the faith.  Thus Christ used Tychicus to do for Paul what he could not do for himself to comfort his beloved children.  We do not know how much the simple things Christ gives us to do will benefit His people.  We do know that everyday affords us opportunities to practically do good to others in the hope that Christ will use us to minister to them.

Our Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
we rejoice that You comfort Your people.
We praise You that You use us in relation to others
who are the members of Your Body,
to point them to Christ.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning