To Mary who worked very hard for you
Romans 16:6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you (6)
♬ Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #215 Draw Me Nearer To the Cross Where Thou Hast Died (# 354 in previous version)
Because we have the Gospel, we will be the main figures of this age. To be the main figures of this age, we must also do well in supporting roles that may take place away from the spotlight. There is no explanation beyond the phrase ‘Mary who worked very hard’ in the Bible, nor is there an explanation of what exactly she did. The idea of ‘working very hard’ is closely linked to ‘suffering.’ God considers visible works and ministries to be important, but He considers the ministries and works that are not quite as visible to be even more vital.
1. People who worked very hard, sight unseen, in the Old Testament
Who is a person who worked very hard, sight unseen, in the Old Testament? Caleb. Caleb and Joshua both served under Moses. After Moses’ death, Joshua rose to prominence as the leader. Joshua was a friend who served under Moses. The prostitute Rahab also devoted herself sight unseen. In the Old Testament, Obadiah hid 100 prophets during the reign of the evil King Ahab. We must become hidden workers of God, both in our workplaces and in the church.
2. People in the New Testament who worked very hard while hidden away before God
Even in the New Testament, the people who worked hard in hiding received greater answers. While everyone fled and disowned Jesus, Nicodemus paid for Jesus’ funeral rites. Theophilus, who was a viceroy, Gaius, Philemon and Priscilla and Aquila all worked very hard, sight unseen. But there are still others who worked harder who remain anonymous.
3. Hidden figures within church history
Not everyone who protected and hid Martin Luther when he was sentenced to death is known. Even to this day, the names of those who helped Luther translate the Bible remain anonymous. But these works changed church history forever. The people who assisted John Wesley, George Whitfield, and D.L. Moody could not even dream that they would change church history during the 18th and 19th centuries. But they are very precious people in the eyes of God.
● Forum Topic - Our small works can change the world. The prayer you give sight unseen for people you desire to evangelize to and for the evangelists; the small works of service for the church and regional church that you do; the small offerings for the RUTC and missions that you give are fertile soil for amazing works. Where are your small works of service and devotion most needed right now? And who needs your hidden prayers? Discover this today.
Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 2nd Service / 2010.2.7