17-18 Even if I am executed here and now, I’ll rejoice in being an element in the offering of your faith that you make on Christ’s altar, a part of your rejoicing. But turnabout’s fair play—you must join me in my rejoicing. Whatever you do, don’t feel sorry for me.19-24I plan (according to Jesus’ plan) to send Timothy to you very soon so he can bring back all the news of you he can gather. Oh, how that will do my heart good! I have no one quite like Timothy. He is loyal, and genuinely concerned for you. Most people around here are looking out for themselves, with little concern for the things of Jesus. But you know yourselves that Timothy’s the real thing. He’s been a devoted son to me as together we’ve delivered the Message. As soon as I see how things are going to fall out for me here, I plan to send him off. And then I’m hoping and praying to be right on his heels. (Philippians 2:17-24 – The Message)
We all belong to a family. Everyone in a family would support each other and willing to offer help when one of the members is in trouble. Paul was not physically with the Christians in Philipi, but he was connected with them. He sent Timothy to bring him news from Philiipi and entrusted Timothy to help them in spiritual matters. We are so limited as an individual and it is hard to do everything by ourselves. If we can entrust others to involve, things can be done more effectively and efficiently. By involving others, we are creating a network. The more people we can connect, the stronger network we can developed. Are you willing to fight against your will to do things on your own and start connecting with the Christians around you to build a supporting network?
“As soon as I see how things are going to fall out for me here, I plan to send him off.”
