That you may know. Ephesians 6:21-22. “But that ye may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known unto you all things: whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.” Fellowship in the things of God offers greater benefits than we may realize because when we learn about God's work through His servants, we rejoice together. It is a cause for joy when we can share the work in our hands with faithful men. Together, we labor and pray for God's glory to be revealed. For fellowship to be such a joy, we must share what God is doing in and through us with others. We can determine the right course by talking and learning from one another. Sometimes, people see things differently in the work. By viewing through different eyes, I can contribute in ways that best serve the whole.
The saints need to know how things are going in distant and faraway places, so those who know best what is happening should share what they know and what kind of harvest they are producing. We pray for those folks who are far away, just as Paul did for those in his time. What an encouragement it is, and we all rejoice when we see that God has answered our prayers! A beloved brother, known to be faithful to God, makes us all pause for a moment and reflect. He is speaking the truth, knows what is happening, and has proven to be the man God is using to bring us news. We know where we are to be; we have united in prayer. We mention their names aloud to God and consider some of the claims they have on us while they are there.
Those in foreign lands also want to hear from us about what’s happening here. There are ties that connect us to those they know, and they want to feel like part of home. The work they do in prisons, towns, villages, hospitals, and the countryside is why we are laborers. Through our constant support and reassurance, they can face each storm that comes. Paul needed the same. It was hard when he was locked up to feel part of their lives, but through his loved brother, who brought news to him, he was eager again to give those far away what they needed to hear and what he, as a father, could teach. Sometimes, a word to the wise comes in the mail that we might overlook if and when it’s preached.