Once and Again. Philippians 4:16. “For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.” When Paul left Philippi and arrived in Thessalonica [Acts 17], the believers in Philippi supported him right from the beginning. It probably seemed like an opportunity for them to show Paul how much he meant to them. The gift that Epaphroditus brought from them to him in prison in Rome was the latest of others they had sent, knowing that the Lord had supplied his “necessity” through the gifts His people had given to Him first and then passed on to Paul by them.
Consistency in giving to the Lord is an essential part of our service and worship. What we give to the Lord of our substance is a good habit that helps us express our appreciation and worship. His grace and goodness have made it possible for us to imitate His giving by providing His servants with every “good and perfect gift” that comes from above and through us, meeting needs around the world. By this regular practice on “the first day of the week,” we can stay aware of the places and people serving Him in areas we may never visit. Through this, we become participants in their efforts for the Lord and rejoice when we hear about how God is working and meeting needs.
A need has a way of not going away, and if it temporarily disappears, it will come back. Some things are needed daily, while others are needed only now and then. To put yourself in another man’s shoes, in his circumstances, and do what he does is a form of fellowship of the highest kind to show support to our brothers and sisters. I don’t want to lose awareness of the needs and welfare of others who are working for the Lord in the places where He has sent them in His service. Prayer keeps them close in my thoughts, and meeting some of their needs makes my work meaningful.
At the start of a new work for God, many people step up to share in the expenses because they value the spread of God's Word in the Gospel and want souls to be saved. They care about the needs of the laborers initially, but often, their interest gradually diminishes. As the first glorious days passed, the laborers who stayed there day after day still had ongoing expenses.
Like these people in Philippi who did not forget Paul, it is our privilege to reconnect with them and share in their work for the Lord. Gospel work is like fishing; those caught in its net need hard work to reach safety. Planting a new church is just the start. Teaching continues throughout the life of the church. Year after year, the Lord saves people and welcomes them into the community. The same is true: old age comes, and the Lord calls His people home. New believers are often the best at soul-winning, and they need encouragement and support of some kind. Older believers pass on the light of God’s truth and teach others how to live it daily, in church, and in sharing the Gospel.
My brothers and sisters who have left here to serve the Lord in distant places need reassurance that they are not quickly forgotten. Those who support them with their resources and prayers need perseverance to continue supporting them faithfully and wisely. When accounts are given at the judgment seat of Christ, both the laborers and supporters will each give an account of things they have “done in the body” when they meet the Savior, and the fruit of their labor is gathered.