“I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus… for they refreshed my spirit.” (1 Cor. 16:17-18). Jesus, the Good Shepherd… “restores, refreshes, renews my soul” (Psalm 23:3)
Lord Jesus, “Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus” … three guys we’ll know as a part of our forever-family in eternity, but three guys whose names we usually “blow through” to get to the “choice” parts of a chapter or verse in the Bible.
But they themselves were “choice”… crème de la crème, sumptuous fare, and friendship-feast. The Apostle Paul could say of them, “I am always glad to see these brothers come through the door, for they bring refreshment to my spirit. They have a “knack,” way, and heart for giving me encouragement when I need it the most.”
Jesus, thank you for the sisters and brothers who are like Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus to us. They bring no pressure, critique, or agenda. Instead, they are conduits of your kindness, non-anxious presence, and joy. And that’s exactly who we want to be to others, Jesus. Make it so, increasingly so.
For you, Jesus, are the headwater, river, and fountain of the sweetest, most satisfying, perfectly timed refreshment. “Flickering wicks and crushed reeds” love it when you show up. When you “come through the door,” nobody feels they need to tidy the desk, feign okay-ness, or “present well.” You are near and dear to the brokenhearted, weary, and heavily burdened. Thank. You. Jesus. Be all of that to us, and through us, this very day. So Very Amen.