Unsung Heroes

 UNSUNG HEROES – EPAPHRAS

Epaphras - not a name we find on the annual list of the most popular names for a boy baby.  But Epaphras was honourable and faithfully served God and more famous people who got the lime light like the Apostle Paul. 

Here’s the moment for Epaphras:

You learned about the Good News from Epaphras, our beloved co-worker. He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us on your behalf.  He has told us about the love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you.

Colossians 1:7-8

People like Paul and Peter, get all sorts of a claim, and rightly so, for how they share the good news of Jesus Christ with so many. But behind all great people are many other faithful people doing their part, and Epaphras is certainly one of those people.

When everyone else was gone, Epaphras stuck around to share the love of God with people who needed to know that. He was a faithful minister of God’s love and grace through his quiet life and behind the scenes ministry.

Epaphras is an encouragement to me and I hope to you as well as we faithfully do the things today that are ours to do in a way that will bless others around us – regardless of whether it is noticed or not.

Loving God, we are grateful for people who shared your love and grace with us. Most of them are unknown to the wider world as well, but they’re known to us and because of their faithful service, we walk with you today and know your tender love and comfort that encourages us and lift us up.

It’s our turn now, and we pray to be people who, in very simple, ordinary ways come alongside others, and witness to your goodness and mercy that is with us every day and your offer to do that for anyone who will put your trust in you.

Help us to be people of good news.  Take us out of our self-centeredness. Help us to come together in service rather than just doing our own thing when it is convenient to us.  Help us to be those who help others, co-workers with others in things that matter.  Amen

Well, that’s the legacy of Epaphras.  What will we do today so we leave a legacy of faithful service behind us?