Scripture
5When we arrived in Macedonia, there was no rest for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside. 6But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus. 7His presence was a joy, but so was the news he brought of the encouragement he received from you. When he told us how much you long to see me, and how sorry you are for what happened, and how loyal you are to me, I was filled with joy!
2 Corinthians 7:5-7
Observation
When I read these scriptures this morning it felt like I was reading a description of this year. Paul was worn thin, literally “without relief”. He was facing conflict from every corner, both Jews and Gentiles. His battles on the outside were compounded by the fear on the inside that Augustine described as mental battles. That is 2020 in a nutshell. The literal translation for the Greek word “discouraged” is to be low on the ground without the strength to get up. What was the turning point for Paul? How did God meet him and his companions in their point of need, in the place where they were overwhelmed? The presence of one person. The visit from Titus. One person present in their trial turned it all around. Paul literally writes, “his presence was a joy.” Joy was in short supply until Titus arrived. When you are overwhelmed it can often feel like you are alone or worse yet, forgotten. Yet, Paul not only received encouragement from Titus but the reminder that the whole church in Corinth was praying for him while he struggled in Macedonia. He writes, “I was filled with joy!” when he heard of their support. This wasn’t just some weak half-hearted wisp of a prayer either. They were mourning with Paul, getting low with him, sharing in the struggle. This is why they sent Titus instead of a letter. This was the power of proximity. This was the power of presence. One person with one purpose- to let Paul know he was not alone and to remind Paul that God had heard his cry for help. This is the ministry of presence and is exactly what we need at this time.
Application
My stomach sank. I had walked to the back of the San Marcos Costco to get some water and toilet paper… and it was all gone. Panic buying was back and I experienced the wretched flashbacks to March when these basic supplies were out of stock for weeks because people bought up more than they needed for fear of running out during the lockdown. I saw that all-too-familiar panicked look in people’s eyes as they walked away with empty carts and empty hearts. Those that stuck around saw one lone pallet of paper towels being rolled out and sure enough, it disappeared in minutes. With the Purple Tier restrictions, talks of curfews, and another lockdown it looks like we may see a repeat of March. This time around it won’t just be fear for health, but fatigue and frustration from a seemingly unending cycle of discouraging news. Now, more than ever, we need the ministry of Titus, we need the ministry of presence. We need to come alongside those who don’t have the strength to face another round of shutdowns. We need to be the message of joy that reminds people they are not alone and that God is still in control even when everything else seems out of control. The strength of a small group or House Church is even more important to reach those who feel insecure about large gatherings and with the possibility that large gatherings may not even be allowed. We don’t need to have all the answers to point people to The Answer just by being with them, calling them, reaching out to them.
Prayer
In a time of isolation turning to insulation give me Your heart to see those who have grown discouraged around me. Where I myself am frustrated and fatigued let me remember this isn’t going to last forever, but I get to serve the One who is forever. The ministry of presence is how we will get through this: “1Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal. 6:2)
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