When you are on a team there are always those who shine and those who are bench warmers. Some contribute on a regular basis and others just sporadically. For instance, a field goal kicker in football sees very little time on the field. If the offensive part of the team does their part, he will not enter the game at all. Yet, this guy practices, exercises, and learns the plays just like the rest of the team. He won’t see as much playing time, but when a field goal is needed it is crucial that he is able to execute the kick correctly. I have seen games where the score is tied, and the field goal wins the game. In this situation, he becomes the hero. He doesn’t get much attention, but when needed he’s ready. Every member of the team is important and with everyone doing their part, little or big, the team functions well. Today we will meet the rest of the team that Paul speaks about in Colossians chapter 4.
First, let’s meet Luke. It is in Colossians that Paul reveals that Luke is a doctor. Most scholars believe he was a Gentile which would also make him the only Gentile author in the New Testament. He wrote almost one-fourth of the New Testament. Luke wrote the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. He accompanied Paul on his second and third missionary journeys, including his shipwreck on the way to Rome. He was the only worker with Paul near the end of his second imprisonment as he faced execution, as noted in II Timothy 4:11. Paul’s introduction of Luke gives us an idea of the kind of teammate he was to Paul. He refers to him as the “beloved physician.” Luke was loyal and must have given great comfort to Paul. Luke could not only be a great friend and give emotional support, but he also could help take care of his physical needs as a physician.
Colossians 4:14-18 “Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it. The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. Written from Rome to Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.”
Demas was with Luke and Paul during this time, but Paul says nothing more about him. Paul may have seen the symptoms of a team member that just can’t maintain his status with the team. In II Timothy 4:10 Paul sadly reports that “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, has left and gone to Thessalonica.”
Then Paul remembers other team members that have contributed which are in Laodicea, and Nymphus, a woman who hosted a church in her home. He mentions Archippus and gives him the charge to pay attention to the ministry.
Paul realized that the Lord intended for all his followers to be involved in the ministry. If you are saved, you are an ambassador for Christ. Paul’s helpers were from different racial, economic, and educational backgrounds. The best teams are made up of people having different talents, passions, and backgrounds. That makes a team that can minister to a multitude of people.
As believers, we need to befriend all types of people. Look around at church find someone you would not naturally gravitate to and go speak to them. Make it a point to show Christ’s love to them. In Heaven, we will be with people from all nations and kindred. In Revelation 7:9, John tells us there will be people in Heaven from every nation, tribe, and tongue. We need to approach those in our path as if we were in Heaven. If you are saved, you are on the team. God does not want benchwarmers or spectators. He wants his team active and scoring for Him.
A couple of years ago we visited a church that was as close to this description of Heaven as I have found on this earth. There were former prostitutes, criminals, homosexuals, lawyers, politicians, teachers, preachers, and just about any other lifestyle you can think of, all forgiven and redeemed by the blood of Christ. There were people from many different nations and every color under the sun. It was beautiful! One day all those who are born again Christians will experience this for all eternity. We will all be on the same team forever!
Revelation 5:9 “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;”
