Jump Start # 111

1 Corinthians 16:17-18 “I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.”

  A common link we find at the end of Paul’s letters is the recognizing and naming of people that have helped him. So as Paul ends First Corinthians he praises those who have made a difference. He understood that spiritually we are connected to one another and more so, what we do is a team effort. While Paul was out preaching, brethren collected money and sent it to him so he could survive. Messengers such as those named here were part of that essential team that supplied Paul his support. Without this how would he travel, eat and do all that he was doing?

  Now we often fly through such passages because we have difficulty saying these names and they don’t mean much to us. But in so doing, we often skip some valuable lessons. Consider a few thoughts today:

1. Everyone of us have had people who help us spiritually. First, we have a congregation that we are a part of that allows us to worship and pray with. Some may be in small groups and others large groups, it’s not the size but the hearts that are woven together that make the difference. From my personal standpoint, as a preacher, there are so many that allow me to do what I do. The preacher stands before the congregation each week and often he is the focus of attention because he is so visible, but behind the scenes are those who have all the electronic equipment working, those who record and make copies of cd’s for others, those who have the building prepared, those who have copy machines working, and on and on. More than that, there is the financial support that allows the preacher to devote his time to study and teaching. More than that, there is the spiritual and emotional support. I expect somewhere in your life there has been a “Fortunatus” who helped you spiritually. That person may have taken time to study with you and answer your questions. They may be the person that came and sit with you in the hospital waiting room while a loved one was having surgery. Other people may not know or recognize your “Fortunatus” but you know who they are and what they have done for you.

2. Also, recognize that these men “refreshed” the spirit of Paul. That expression comes up again in 2 Corinthians when Titus “refreshed” the depressed Paul. Refreshed. Isn’t that a wonderful thought? Clean sheets, spring breezes, fresh ice tea all brings the image of refreshing. Here Paul is talking about on the insides. It came from seeing brethren who were bringing good news and simply doing what they ought to do. Often we walk into the church house weary and beat up. Like an old dog, our tongues are hanging out, we are dragging our feet and our tanks are running on empty. I see it in the eyes of people. But then we all gather together. We sing. We praise. Our spirits begin to rise. We pray. We open our Bibles. We connect with God and before long our spirits are soaring. We walk out with our heads lifted high, and smiles upon our faces. We have been refreshed! We need that.

3. The final lesson here, is that we need to be a “Fortunatus” to someone else. So often we are looking for someone to be that to us, instead we need to be there for others.

  Refreshing. You do that through kind words, good needs, emotional encouragement, and spiritual support. Fortunatus—he made a difference and so can you.

Roger