The Wright Sister

Our sister, Phoebe, has been the benefactor of many people, including me. Romans 16, verses 1 and 2. Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread. Our reading, The Right Sister, was written by Dave Brannan and read by Steven Taber.

Romans chapter 16, verses 1 through 12. I commend to you our sister, Phoebe, a deacon of the Church of Cenkria. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of His people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me. Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus.

They risked their lives for me. Not only I, but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend, Epinides, who was the first to convert to Christ in the province of Asia. Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me.

They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. Greet Amplius, my dear friend in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachas. Greet Apellis, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodian, my fellow Jew. Greet those in the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. Greet Tryphina and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord.

Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. The Wright Sister, written by Dave Brannon Most people know about the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, who invented, built, and flew the first successful airplane in the early 1900s. But few know the name Catherine Wright. Yet in her brother's story of creating their flying machine, Catherine was essential to their success. While her brothers concentrated on the myriad details and experiments that led to their invention, Catherine chose to quietly and lovingly help them.

She kept their bicycle shop going, the brother's source of income, left her teaching job to nurse Orville back to health after a plane crash, and managed the endless details of her brother's growing fame. The value of the support of others is seen in Scripture as well. One example is Phoebe, mentioned by Paul as a benefactor of many people. And Priscilla and Aquila, a helpful couple presented in Paul's writing, hosted churches where Paul ministered and even risked their lives for him.

Additionally, the apostle complimented Mark, saying he was helpful to me in my ministry. We can be the Wright brothers and sisters in Christ by serving others. The ongoing work of God needs helpers like Phoebe and us, guided by Him to serve this way.

In humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but to the interests of the others. Would you spend some time in prayer with me? Lord, thank you for the examples of your countless followers throughout the ages who have served selflessly in your name. Like you did with them, help us to value others above ourselves and to serve with humility and love guided by your spirit. Thank you, Lord. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. As you go about your day, reflect on these questions. Who needs your help? What can you do to serve others in Jesus' name?