"Phoebe"

A sad cultural commentary on our leisurely pursuits - the name "Phoebe" typically drums up an 80s celebrity image or scenes from a New Age rom-com character from Friends. While there are only 2 verses about this sister in Christ, we can draw encouraging spiritual lessons from Phoebe’s service that do far more than mindlessly entertain us and dull us to the beauty of our Suffering Servant, Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul closes his letter with a commendation for this saint. The word "commend" gives the idea of bringing two people together in a trusting relationship. Paul commends "our sister Phoebe" - Paul recognizes that Phoebe is a fellow believer who has placed her faith in Christ; she is a part of the family. Moreover, Phoebe must have exercised spiritual integrity; otherwise, she would not be mentioned so favorably. Paul certainly would not be hoping to unite the church with her if she was untrustworthy. Paul wants the church to welcome her or receive her in a kindly way as you would a friend. Paul describes Phoebe as "a servant of the church at Cenchreae."[1]

It is thought that Phoebe would be a carrier of this letter to the church of Rome by the word for servant in this verse. Paul would not entrust a carnal Christian with such a high task. I recall Paul's words to his young protege, Timothy, "Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work" (2 Timothy 2:21-22 ESV). Phoebe was helpful to the Lord because of her obedience to Him. This obedience involved her using her spiritual gift of service. Paul provides a basis for this directive to the church to welcome her and to help upon her arrival; Phoebe was a "patron of many and of myself." As a patron, she would have been in a supportive role for Paul in his ministry [2]. The specifics of her devotion to the Lord are not detailed, but it is evident she poured herself generously, giving her time and body to the work of the Lord among his many saints.

While I can't ask Phoebe quite yet, I will ask you - What motivates your faithfulness? Are you spurred on to good works out of your love and fear of the Lord? Do you limp along serving the few who you favor? Has a bitter root sprung up in your heart? When we serve in trials, it is very tempting to envy others, to withdraw from God, and to seek comfort in Godless pursuits. Phoebe had a stellar reputation; she had favor among men like Christ did, and the focus was on her godly conduct. Phoebe served; she was active, engaged, trustworthy, identified needs, and followed the Spirit's guidance. While we should not fear man and fret over people's approval, we must consider how we serve, why we serve, and our witness to other saints. I am thankful for Phoebe's example; she reflected the qualities of a Proverbs 31 woman.

While looking to a servant like Phoebe is good, we have our Suffering Servant to behold in extended serving seasons of woe. Jesus came to serve and not to be served, as the gospel of Mark reminds us. His perfect example allows us to serve out of grace, not legalism. Can you add to Christ's work? Can your good works cause him to love you more or to give you more favor? They cannot. Before Christ started his ministry, the Father called him his 'beloved Son.' Sure, the Father and the Son had a perfect relationship preceding his incarnation, but do you know that he also knew you before you could even say his name? He said you are fearfully and wonderfully made. The starting point for our service should be God's immeasurable grace, which we know more acutely when we look at everything we do against Him and without Him. Consider the nature of his suffering and his purpose in serving the Father. He loved the Father, his knowledge of Him stirred up affections, His joy gave him strength, and so as our Suffering Servant, he set his face like flint and joyfully poured Himself out. His love is eternal so that we can continue imperfectly.

As we learn from Phoebe, female servanthood is a blessed role that does not involve authoritative power-grabbing. Phoebe's role was supportive; she was a helper with considerable responsibility. Phoebe recognized the beauty of her feminity as a servant, not deacon, not elder, not pastor. She would handle the letter gracefully because her track record already suggested she would. What a good reminder for godliness - it is not achieved through striving in your flesh and man's fickle wisdom; it is gained through humble submission to God and the role he bestowed favorably upon women. What will fuel our walks with the Lord is gazing more intently at his word in prayer and embracing the opportunities God places in front of you. God is not miserly with his gifts. He gave you everything you need; his daily bread will sustain you this season. In a season of rest and reflection, consider how you are carrying Christ's name and remember it is the Spirit of the living God who works in you. In a season, of go-go-go, you must do the same.

Will you humble yourself before the Lord by accepting that you are His Beloved? Will you humble yourself as Phoebe did, even if others do not commend you? Sometimes, the most challenging thing to do in our walks is to accept God's immeasurable love and his finished work. It is so hard to wait until justice comes in the next life, but it will. And if you are prone to stubbornly wandering like me, the most challenging thing to do is take accountability for the areas of your heart, mind, and walk you do not want to serve the Lord with. God's wisdom and help are available to you as you submit to Christ. Let’s praise God for the many examples he has given in His word to show us how to serve with integrity. He can redeem the mess-ups. May our good works result in the receipt of beautiful crowns and this commendation by our only audience, Christ, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Ponder

How have worldly influences crept into your walk? How have godly influences impacted you? How has the Lord served you despite your weaknesses and failings?In what ways is God calling you to serve, rest, and obey? What area of your life have you not given to the Lord this season?How often do you pray and seek to use your gifts? Are you holding back an area of life because of fear, shame, or anger?

Practice

Combat any lies the enemy uses to elicit condemnation or fear you into not being a servant to the Lord. Track what types of deception emerge when you feel less-than, resentful, or are in pain, and find one biblical passage that addresses this lie.Pray for your enemies and find one way to bless them this week - this can be prayer if you cannot talk to them or see them, for example. Consider what hospitality could look like for you this week for someone in the body and enact that plan of outreach.Consider why you serve and evaluate if they align with Jesus' words and example. Meditate instead on good reasons to serve - and getting spiritual rewards is not a selfish pursuit.

PrayerLoving Father, You are seated on High, yet you decided to send your Son to take on human form as a lowly servant. You are worthy of our trust. There is not one thing you have said in error; you are faithful to your word. The countless prophecies fulfilled affirm this fact. Father, you work tirelessly and do not sleep. Thank you for sending your Son to be our Suffering Servant. You want us to work out our salvation, not work for our salvation. We tend to take advantage of your grace and love. We also tend to self-condemn and wallow in self-pity. We like to blame. We want glory. But why would we steal from you when you have given us everything? You have even promised us eternal spiritual rewards for our faithfulness. We do not need to covet as heirs of the planet. Give us what we need to serve you well. May your will be done in our lives. You have a specific plan for our life. And you are faithful to help us navigate this narrow walk as we discover what you have planned for us. Please help us to take your gifts seriously. Help us value knowing you and being like you as we serve. Help orient our minds towards thoughts that are pleasing to you. Rid us of self. Fill us with your Spirit. Open our eyes to the wonders of your words. May we count the costs of following you as your Son did. Please help us be grateful for the trials because you want to deepen us through them. We anticipate your kingdom and the blessed hope of you gathering your saints in the clouds. Teach us to number our days; we want hearts of wisdom. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, amen.