Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts."
Text: Ephesians 6:22
THE MINISTRY OF COMFORTING THE HEART
Tychichus seemed to have been sent on a very personal mission by the apostle Paul. How do we understand this “ministry of comforting the heart”? Let us consider the validity and importance of this ministry.
1. Establishing the validity of this ministry
The opening words of the apostle Paul in his second epistle to the Corinthians more than confirms this ministry of comforting the heart, as something that is close to the heart of God.
a) The Lord is well-described as the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3)
b) He is deeply concerned about how we are comforted when we face trials and tribulations in life (2 Corinthians 1:4-6)
c) The word “comfort” (“paraklesis”) has this powerful idea of “coming alongside”. Yes, God comes alongside through the ministry of the Holy Spirit who is called our paraclete (“parakletos” translated as “Helper” or “Comforter”).
2. Establishing the importance of this ministry
Paul took up this thought of the ministry of comfort of the heart in another chapter in his second letter to the Corinthians. Titus, was the one sent to check out the Corinthians. He brought back good news about the Corinthians and that in turn brought much comfort to Paul’s heart.
a) Context
i) Paul had sent a stern letter of rebuke to the Corinthians.
ii) The apostle Paul was deeply distressed as to how the Corinthians would respond to his stern letter.
iii) Titus was sent to find out how the Corinthians responded; he returned to give Paul good news. The Corinthians had repented in godly sorrow (Cf. 2 Corinthians 7:8-11)
b) Titus was that special messenger of comfort (Cf. 2 Corinthians 7:6, 13-16)
TYCHICHUS’ MINISTRY OF COMFORT OF THE HEART
Tychichus was involved in this ministry of comfort of the heart, just as Titus was. This ministry may not seem very significant, but it is. Any ministry that God Himself is personally involved in is not an insignificant ministry.