Who shepherds the shepherds of the flock?

Paul is on his way to Rome. It has been a difficult trip, which included a shipwreck and a winter on the little island of Malta. It is not clear how this happened but the brothers and sisters from Rome heard that Paul had arrived and went to meet him. They traveled between 35 and 45 miles to meet Paul on the final leg of his journey to stand before Caesar in Rome. Our verse says that Paul thanked God and took courage as a result of the visit of the brothers and sisters from Rome.

Paul was not certain what awaited him in Rome. He knew that he would stand before the emperor and that he would share the truth of Jesus before great and powerful people but he did not know what would ultimately come of his life. And then to get to Rome had been very difficult. Things like that can have the effect of draining your courage and joy. It is very likely that was where Paul was at this time.

Knowing this God motivated the believers in Rome to come and encourage him along the way. When Paul saw these brothers and sisters, he felt the love of Jesus pour forth from them and into himself. Even as great as Paul was spiritually he needed the fellowship of other believers to refill his joy and courage.

People don’t often think about that with their spiritual leaders. There are times when their spiritual tank is emptied by the seemingly endless needs that they are called to minister to. God is so gracious and never fails to fill the leader with what they need to do ministry, but there are times when the leader needs someone to meet their needs. It encourages me that Paul needed that occasionally. It reminds me that it is okay if I occasionally have needs that I can’t meet through my relationship with Christ; that I need others to encourage me. It fills my heart with joy to think of those people God has brought into my life to meet me along the way to encourage me. They may never know what a vital role they play in my life and in my ability to minister to others. It fills my heart with joy to think of them.

Is there someone in your life that is serving the LORD that God would call you to go to and encourage? If so, do it. You are not just serving them by doing that but you are also serving others. Your words of encouragement might be just what that leader needs so that he can minister to the rest of the flock that God has entrusted to him (or her). It is amazing what kind of fruit can be born from just a few words of encouragement. Jesus, help us to meet those weary servants that are on their way to serve you.

Read: 1 Chronicles 11:1-12:18; Acts 28:1-31; Psalm 9:1-12; Proverbs 19:1-3