“I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land.” Ezekiel 22:30
Have you ever wondered where the phrase “A Few Good Men” came from? Was it World War I or II, the Korean War, the Cold War? Actually none of those is correct. We usually associate it with the Marine Corps, but in fact the phrase predates the Corps, since the Marines were not formed until 1798. Captain William Jones of the 28 gun frigate, “The Providence” advertised in the March 1779 Gazette the need for “a few good men” to engage in “a short cruise.” This was the beginning of the Marine recruiting slogan they would use for 200 years!
Colossians 4 has a list of a few good men the Apostle Paul commended who were central to the spread of the gospel. To the early Christians, Jesus Christ was their Lord and Master and they were his “bond-slaves.” They risked their lives, were imprisoned, and valued the truth more than their existence. Many were ordinary people like you and me, not all well known, not superstars, but ordinary people God used. What motivated these men? Why did they do what they did? “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all,” 2 Corinthians 5:14. Love compelled them! Their focus was Christ. One such man was Tychicus, a young man, a faithful man who was willing to lay down his life for the cause of Christ.
Let’s take a look at him, “Tychicus, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.” Colossians 4:7. There is something about a person who is faithful. He does what he says he will do, his word is his bond. Faithful! We find Tychicus in Acts 20 as one of Paul’s companions who traveled with him from Ephesus to Jerusalem via Macedonia. They had collected an offering to deliver to the poor saints in Jerusalem. Gentiles ministering to Jews! One body in Christ! In Rome with Nero on the throne, Tychicus, “the beloved brother,” visited Paul in prison and stood by him in danger and in the face of death! He was not ashamed to be identified with Paul and the gospel of Christ! He could be trusted! He had been through the fire of opposition and stood the test. Now Paul gives him an incredible responsibility: He was to carry the Epistle to the Colossians to Colosse and the letter to the Ephesians back to Ephesus where he lived!
What thoughts must have gone through his mind! He and his “dear friend” Onesimus carried the Word of God that would outlast the Roman Empire, be translated into thousands of languages, read and proclaimed for over 2000 years and draw millions of people to Christ. It seemed like a small thing! When God gives us an assignment, there is no telling the ripple effect it will have. Has God given you an open door for the gospel, to teach a Bible study, a Sunday school class, or raising your family in the fear of God? The ripple effect can become a huge splash! The gospel is powerful, the dynamite of God! The Lord is looking for men and women who are willing to “stand in the gap” for righteousness in the communities where they live. It takes courage, but we serve a faithful God who will provide exactly what we need in every situation. Be of good courage and “stand in the gap” for God!
Your friend, Jean