A Good Partner

“John to the seven churches that are in Asia:

“Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne,  and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.

“To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood… 

“I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.  I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet…

“Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands,  and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest.  The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire,  his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters.  In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.

“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, ‘Fear not, I am the first and the last.'” Revelation 1:4-5,9-10,12-17a

John had been exiled for his testimony, yet remained very much a partner in faith with believers over the known world. He shared their tribulations, ministry in the kingdom, and patient endurance, exhibiting how true partnership in the gospel behaves. His letter would serve to engage their senses in mutual worship and encourage their faith, hope, and endurance. No matter circumstance or place, partners in Christ are connected when He is central.

How seriously do we take partnership in the gospel? When life and programs are running smoothly, it is easy to hum along in synch with others, and enjoy mutual joys. But when we clash in opinion, or unexpectedly face an insurmountable need or handicap or impasse, we might be tempted to abandon ship and go it alone. Suffering can be too great to have bandwidth for others, cares might seem to insignificant to share though they deplete us. It is often in these trying times that partnerships bring the most comfort and bear the most fruit.

How engaged am I in the work of God’s kingdom? How well do I value, come alongside, and pray for others who serve and suffer? What can I specifically do to build them up, contribute time and resources, speak truth in love, actively help? How am I sharing the glories of Christ with my partners in the gospel, that we might rejoice together? (Ephesians 4:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)

Lord, help me be a good partner with those who serve and love You, supporting and blessing them so Your gospel is conveyed and Your glory magnified.