Wed.’s Devo - You Are Valuable

Read Ro. 16:12-14 If you have followed my blog for any length of time you realize how much I love names. Obviously, God does too. He is always naming and renaming people like Abraham and Sarah. I’ve never looked at these names and studied them but it has been interesting. Today we start with two women, Tryphena and Tryphosa, whose names mean “luxurious and luxuriating” respectably. I wonder if they were twins! How awesome to have your name mean luxurious - to know that you are deemed a luxury to God. The truth is, we all are. I would have loved to meet these two women. I bet they didn’t look the part of their name, but their inner beauty was found in the Lord. He found them luxurious. Persis is also a woman from Persia which means “divided”. As a Christian we have to make a division between the world and God; good and evil. She apparently chose God. Rufus is a man whose name means “supping up”. “Sup” has to do with eating so he sounds like a man who just couldn’t get enough of the word - the bread of life. His mom is also mentioned who was probably the one to give him this hunger for God. This lady must have been a real nourisher because Paul claims her as his mom also. How endearing. I can imagine she probably had Paul over to her house for many a meal and probably his favorite dessert. Next we have a list of names: Asyncritus (incomparable), Phlegon (blazing), Hermas (bringer of good fortune), Patrobas (father’s walk), Hermes (messenger). These are self-explanatory. The one I especially like is Patrobas - the one who had his Father’s walk. I’m sure he didn’t see himself this way just like we don’t see ourselves as luxurious to God or worthy of any accolade, but this is how God sees us. He has covered our sins, so he only sees the good part and that is what he bet on when he saved you. Be encouraged - you are valuable to God and his kingdom! Lord, help us walk in your encouragement, and be who you say we are.