Enjoying the Reward of Selfless Service

Daily Devotional – Sunday, September 17, 2023
I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.
Romans 16:1-2 (NKJV)

Phoebe is a hardworking and generous female deacon in the church at Cenchrea. As a businessperson, she often travels to different cities. Her current trip will take her to Rome. She informs Apostle Paul of the trip. She is most likely seeking prayers for a safe and successful trip.

Assist Her in Whatever Business

Coincidentally, Paul is writing a letter to the church in Rome. He decides to send Phoebe to deliver the epistle. That is not all. The apostle remembers some unique traits of this noble woman. Therefore, in the final chapter of Romans, Paul inserts a powerful recommendation for Phoebe to facilitate her stay in Rome.

The man from Tarsus writes, “I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.” (Romans 16:1-2).

For the Sake of God

Paul is a respected man in Rome and in Christendom in general. The Christians in Rome will take his word seriously. They will indeed roll out the red carpet to receive Phoebe, a fellow servant of the Gospel. Church members will ensure this deacon does not lack anything during her stay in Rome.

Why? Because she has offered unselfish service to Paul’s mission. She watered Paul; now it is Paul’s turn to replenish Phoebe through the Roman Christians. Did Phoebe imagine she would need Paul’s help in the future when she was helping him? Definitely not! Hers was a routine contribution to God’s work, though Paul does not give us the finer details of the service.

Enjoying the Reward of Selfless Service

How are you supporting God’s work by relieving the needs of others? Do you contribute financially, materially, or through personal service? Can those who know you recommend you for favours based on the type and level of commitment you exhibit? Are you, like Phoebe, enjoying the rewards of selfless service? Which changes or improvements will you make in your service to God’s work?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, I want to offer selfless service to you because I know that a time will come when I will reap the reward.