Daily Devotionals

May 6, 2020

Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.

 

Romans 16:23

 


 

Erastus remained in Corinth; Trophimus I left ill in Miletus.

 

2 Timothy 4:20

Near the end of all of his letters, the Apostle Paul includes greetings to specific individuals. He also passes along greetings from or news about the people who are with him helping him accomplish God’s work.

 

One of those people, as you see from these verses, is named Erastus. He is mentioned in the long (really long — read all of Romans 16!) list of people who are a part of Paul’s ministry in Corinth. Paul also mentions him in his letter to Timothy.

 

Outside what is left of the ancient town of Corinth, you can find the remains of a road, which archaeologists have dated to the first century. An inscription posted on a part of this road indicates that it was built at the direction of and paid for by “Erastus, the City Treasurer.” (A piece of that road could be in my home office; I can neither confirm nor deny that.)

 

“I’m just a treasurer,” he could have said. What can I do to serve God?

 

We won’t know the answer to that question until we reach glory ourselves. But to be included in two of Paul’s letters, Erastus must have done something right!

 

Some followers of Jesus carry an inferiority complex. They think there is little they can do to advance the cause of Christ. But nothing could be further from the truth. Just as God used Erastus — somehow — to serve the Kingdom, He will also use you today.

For Reflection


Who are some of the people who have made a difference in your life?


Think about the people in your life that you “keep up with.” Believing that God has purposefully placed them there, how can you make a difference in their lives?

Prayer


Lord, forgive me if and when I think I cannot do anything to make a difference for You. Help me to remember that You love me and have blessed me. Help me to see people in my life today as divine appointments to serve You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Dr. Chuck Roberts
Senior Associate Pastor
404-842-5883