It’s not spoken aloud, but I can almost guarantee it’s spoken in the minds of the church majority. Those who read the book of Romans, comment of its worthiness in church leadership and direction of salvation and then ignore the fact that it’s more than a book to be commented on, it’s a book to be lived.
In its final chapter, I found solace in Paul’s words. I struggle for many reasons, but one of the greater reasons I struggle is from feelings of unworthiness. I’m sure I’m not alone. That’s why I thought perhaps this was a good word for today. Satan knows he has my number when it comes to pointing out my flaws. Add to that, the fact that I’m a “woman in the ministry” and not all agree that women should be; my feelings of inadequacy are at the forefront of most days. Let me preface this by saying there are few in my circle who have made me feel that way. I’ve always been embraced as a woman of God. I make no proclamations of being a preacher. I’m a servant of God, used of God to further the gospel through various forms of media and speaking. I basically just like to talk. And when I discovered the wonders of Jesus, I had plenty to say!
As Paul closes out his letter to the Romans, he runs down a list of people that have blessed his britches! And the first one happens to be a woman. For that day and age, that was amazing! She was obviously quite the servant of God to have garnered the great Apostle Paul’s attention and mention.
Romans 16:1-2 KJVS
[1] I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: [2] That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
During Paul’s day, I highly doubt there was any “sittin’ saints in the sanctuary” just taking up space. To be apart of the church in that day, your literal neck was on the line. But not so much today. You can sit and soak it up and do absolutely nothing to contribute and not feel the least bit bad about it. True story, right? The 90% can watch the 10% do all the work of the church and say “That ain’t none of my business.”
Well, Phebe made it her business. She was the deliverer of this letter to church in Rome. I can imagine that Satan either was clueless to the power of this letter, or God had His hand of protection upon Phebe as she traveled. Probably both. But Phebe served the church in such a manner that Paul asked them to not only receive her into their body of believers but to help her out with whatsoever she asked. She had been a “soccourer” of many and Paul was included.
To succor someone is to help them out in times of hardship and distress. Phebe stepped up and stepped out when someone needed help. Would to God I would be that person always.
While most people don’t consider themselves to be in the ministry, that’s not the case. If you’re a child of God you are “in” the ministry by proxy. You are Christ’s representative on earth and are to do His work. For that you will stand accountable. Paul may have used a gal like Phebe in this letter to prove that there is none without purpose and position and most of all none with an excuse. If Phebe, a single woman, can be used by God to deliver the gospel, care for the “business” of the church in a day when women were seen as possessions not persons of value in the world, the church would take note.
Paul was one who had lived out his faith in such a way it wasn’t up for debate as to whether or not he was God’s man. I want to live my life in such a way. I don’t ever want to say “That’s none of my business” when it comes to serving God.
What about you? Do you have feelings of inadequacy? Just like in the days of Phebe, this is not the time to be a timid church mouse. It’s time to step up and into the role that God positioned you for. The key word is “God.” He does the positioning. He provides the purpose. He’s always placed me in the front row of the church, both figuratively and spiritually. I’m not above any other person in the congregation, but my outspokenness and willingness to serve allows me to have “business” in the church. You are a part of my business. I love you and I want to serve you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray I’ve done that today with this word.
