“I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:”
Rom.16:1;
Discussion
Romans chapter 16 is a very interesting chapter in the bible. It lists out some very interesting names. These were men and women who were exceptionally helpful to Paul and to the churches. The first person mentioned is Phebe, a dear sister and a deaconess of the church at Cenchrea.
Paul writes to the churches in Rome to assist Deaconess Phebe in whatever she needs as she visits Rome. Surely, Phebe wasn't the only member of the church in Cenchrea, but Paul earnestly admonished the churches in Rome to be of help to Phebe because Phebe had been of exceptional help to Paul and the saints in the church in Cenchrea. Rom.16.1-2; "Our sister Phoebe, a deacon in the church in Cenchrea, will be coming to see you soon. Receive her in the Lord, as one who is worthy of high honour. Help her in every way you can, for she has helped many in their needs, including me." NLT See why Paul charges the saints in Rome to help Phebe? 'For she has helped many in their needs, including me'. This is something to pay attention to today. Help begets help. A helper attracts helpers. If you haven't been helping the saints in your local assembly, why do you expect helpers to rise up to your aid in time of need? This is not to say we should only help those who help us. Not at all. Get the point.
The church helps everyone; saints come to the aid of everyone in need. But understand that the one who has been of help to saints in their time of need will obviously be etched in the hearts of saints so that they arise to help such a one in times of their own need. In our day where people leave churches for every little thing such as not being visited by the church when they were ill. The question is how many people did you also visit when they were ill? The church didn't look for you. How many people have you looked for? They didn't give you rice at Christmas. How many people have you given rice or even a glass of water? Why should you always be the charity case? Can't you grow up and become the helper of saints such that they'll never forget your good deeds. And even if they do, God never forgets (Hebrews 6:10).
We spend so much time in prayer asking God to send us helpers. What about asking God to lead you to help someone in need. Don't you understand that it is more fulfilling to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). From today, focus on helping others, then watch and see how help will also come to you. (Acts 9:36-40, Prov. 11:25).
Meditation
Heb.6.10; — For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.