Paul introduces us to two men. The first man, Tychicus, is mentioned so positively and glowingly in Ephesians 6:21-22, Colossians 4:7-8. 2 Timothy 4:12, and Titus 3:12. Look at how Paul commends him to the church in Colossae: “Tychicus … is a beloved brother, faithful minister, fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you … that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, (4:7-8) In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul basically says the same thing. Tychicus was not a lazy man – he worked for the kingdom. Sent by Paul as a messenger to others, Tychicus is an encourager.
As we continue to read in Colossians, we come to another man, Demas. “Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas.” (4:12) In Philemon 24 Paul refers to Demas as a coworker. In neither place is anything spectacular mentioned about Demas. He is simply named. In 2 Timothy 4:9-10, the words change and Paul begs Timothy to “Do your best to come to me soon. For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica . . .” I don’t know how much of a worker was Demas, nor do I know how hard he worked. But everyone else mentioned in Paul’s letters (especially Colossians and Philemon) has some type of qualifier with their name. Demas doesn’t.
We all know someone who encourages us; sometimes by their words, by being with us, sending us a card or maybe only through some form of encouragement on social media. These people are strong warriors for God and they just always seem to be able to know exactly what verse to quote to us when we need help. (Sometimes we even joke that we are jealous of their ability to radiate encouragement.) They are our Tychicus, and we love them dearly.
Let us strive to grow as Tychicus. How? Psalm 111:2, 10; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15
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