Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.

I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.
Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings.
Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings.

Now to HIM WHO IS ABLE TO ESTABLISH YOU in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith— to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Paul greets the churches, as does his team here. And what follows may be described as a kind of “motto” for serving Jesus in the mission field. This might be a way of reinforcing their united mission in Christ. So, I imagine this would have been stated by all those listed as with Paul, together with him.

I find the passage to be quite interesting in its application to their lives back then. They were traveling missionaries, and they traveled into some territory where unknowns abounded. They would stay for a while and then, just as a church was starting to gain traction and they were building stronger relationships with people, God would call them to spread the gospel in a new place. They would have to uproot and move and start all over again at building bridges and relationships and livelihoods, etc. So these people had to experience this process over and over again.

I think about our world today. Banks are failing, jobs are being lost, retirement savings are being eroded by the stock market, and inflation is real and only going to increase. We are seeing systems of justice, once reliable, being perverted and destroyed before our very eyes. Do you feel like chaos is reining and your world is turning (or is about to turn) upside down and you will have to start all over again? That all of your effort and work may be gone?

Like a plant that is uprooted to be replanted, so many people feel uprooted today. In order to be effective again this plant must be replanted in good soil, watered, and supported as it grows. So, too, it is with us (and those around us). Every time we feel uprooted, we must replant in the soil of the truth of God’s Word, be watered through prayer by his mercy and grace, and remain in a relationship with him, as we gain the support of the Family of God around us. This is how God ESTABLISHES US in accordance with the gospel. This is how he keeps us connected in relationship with him. And we can take confidence in this … Paul, Timothy, Lucius, Jason, Sosipater, Tertius, and Gaius confirm for us with their mission motto, that GOD WILL RE-ESTABLISH US in his Good News – his gospel of Jesus Christ. He did it over and over again for them, and he will for us too!

Lord, today, I am not going to be worried and fearful of being uprooted in my home and/or business and/or relationships and/or family. I know that you will re-establish me in the places you intend for me to grow me in. I claim your provision and your peace in this process. Help me to see your heart of love for me in these challenging days ahead and to look for those I can impact with the gospel and share your love with. Your love and your gospel are the reasons I am here. Thank you Lord!