Do you Have an Encourager Like Tychicus? Are You an Encourager?

Do you know who Tychicus was in Biblical times? On March 15 I finished teaching a course on the book of Ephesians. In the last few verses of Ephesians, our Lord inspired Paul to write, “21 So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts. 23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.” (Ephesians 6:21-24) The Ephesians were concerned about the Apostle Paul who was in prison. Paul sent Tychicus to Ephesus to encourage the church. He sent Tychicus to assure them that he was fine and, in fact, God was even working through Paul’s imprisonment. Tychicus was an “encourager” who assured the Ephesian church of Paul’s well-being, and of God’s goodness.

Who encourages you? Or, whom do you encourage? It is a TWO WAY street!

I received a text the evening of Monday, March 16, from friend, Carolyn Purser. Carolyn informed me about our mutual friend, Ted Bell. Ted is a long-time Palmer resident, who nevertheless carries a deep southern drawl. Many know Ted as a local photographer and community supporter. I have known Ted since 1991. He has become a friend, someone with whom I have somewhat regular conversations about our Lord.

Carolyn let me know that Ted was ill, and that Ted was hoping for a visit. It is hard to visit someone in Alaska when I am in Florida for a few months. Nevertheless, I called Ted. He had injured his shoulder and went in for surgery. Unfortunately the doctors found cancer everywhere. I called Ted, and Kathy and I talked with him. Ted told us he had lung cancer which had spread to his bones. He shared that a hospice nurse was at his home as we spoke with him. Ted also greeted Kathy and wished her well.

Ted asked me to pray for him. I told Ted I would put him on my prayer list. However, I also prayed with Ted over the phone, with Kathy listening and praying. We prayed for God’s grace. We prayed that Ted would know peace, and even joy because of the presence of Jesus during His illness. We thanked God for Jesus’ victory over sin and death through Jesus’ dying on the cross and through His empty tomb. We thanked God for these victories in Ted’s life. Later I put Ted on prayer lists at St. John Lutheran in Palmer, at Our Redeemer Lutheran in Chugiak, and at First Lutheran in Gainesville, FL. I also prayed for him Tuesday morning.

However, at 10:46 a.m. AK time on Tuesday, March 17, I learned that Ted had passed away. The timing of my conversation with Ted the previous evening, and the timing of our prayers, makes those prayers seem even more important in the light of his passing.

I thought of Tychicus, the encourager. Perhaps the Lord used me to encourage Ted in the love of Jesus during Ted’s last hours. In truth, even in the time of his terminal illness, our Lord did have Ted in His loving hands. Because of Jesus’ death for our sins, and because of Jesus’ resurrection for our salvation, Jesus does provide peace and joy even in our trials.

On the other hand, Ted also encouraged me, many times, and even yesterday. Ted, was very positive about the Lord’s work at St. John in Palmer. Ted asked to receive my weekly devotion. He often took pictures of church events and sent them to the congregation. Ted and his late wife, Pam, sometimes attended worship. He greeted me in the post office and grocery store, and was thankful for the reminders of our Lord’s love. I am not a perfect person, nor am I a perfect pastor. Yet Ted let me know that God was getting through to Him with our Lord’s love, sometimes through my efforts. Sometimes a pastor wonders if he is effective. Ted encouraged me. You see, encouragement works both ways!

Who encourages you? Whom can you encourage? Can you be like Tychicus? Can you encourage another with Paul, “Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”