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Unknowing Ambassadors


            Sometimes the simplest phrases say a lot.  One such phrase is embedded in the following paragraph.

            “For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever” (2 Corinthians 7:5-7).

            The part to notice:  “But God… comforted us by the coming of Titus”.  

            It was “God” who comforted Paul, but notice how he did this:  He sent Titus!

            Now I have no idea whether Titus knew that he was doing God’s work when he went to find Paul.  I have no idea if God told him to go, or if he just decided that he needed to see his friend.  I do know this, though, his arrival made all the difference in the world to Paul.  More than that, Paul saw God’s presence in Titus.

            The rest of that paragraph is interesting too.  When Titus got there he brought not only his love and concern, but that of the Corinthian church.  “He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever” (verse 7). 

            The fact is, whether Titus knew it or not, whether he thought it was a big deal or not, he was doing the work of God in that place.  He was the conduit of God to bring Paul exactly what he needed at that moment.

            I believe this is still happens.  God still accomplishes his work through his people.  The little kindnesses and things we do for others may not seem significant to us, but they may be huge to someone else and they may actually be part of what God is up to in their life.

            Titus was God’s ambassador to the apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 5:20).

            When we are open to following God, we can be part of his work and his plan too.

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