When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 11 So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.
All for one and one for all. That was the motto of The Three Musketeers. The modern translation is, “If you mess with one of us, you deal with all of us.” In effect, that is what is behind Paul’s warning to the Corinthians and their treatment of Timothy when he arrives. Paul almost seems to fear for Timothy’s physical safety but we dearly wish to give the church the benefit of the doubt on that one. More likely, Paul told them that Timothy is a representative of Paul, as they both are of Jesus Christ and, to mistreat Timothy would be to deal with all, including Jesus Christ.
As the body of Christ, the motto of the musketeers should be our own. Chapter 12 told the church that when one suffers, they all suffer together. That is the way of the church. Also, Jesus said when you help the poor, you help Jesus himself. That is a description of what we want Cape Community Church to be known for. Praise the Lord that he has brought people to us with just such a heart. May it be seen in the world today as we show the love of Jesus to one and all!
Dear Lord, thank you for the community we enjoy as a church body. May the body be a beacon of light in our particular community today. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church