God Had Mercy on Him

Scripture: Philippians 2:25-30

Song: He Is Able To Deliver Thee

Epaphroditus was sick. His brothers and sisters in Philippi knew he was sick, and they were distressed. The truth is, Epaphroditus was very sick. He was sick unto death...

"...but God had mercy on him..." (Philippians 2:27; NKJV). Epaphroditus did not die because God intervened. Mercy, by definition, is God withholding from us what we deserve. While it is "appointed for men to die once," I do not believe that the specific time of one's death is determined. Epaphroditus did eventually die, but his life was spared at this time by his merciful God.

When you or someone you love is sick, remember Epaphroditus. Remember the mercy God showed him. Pray for that same mercy: "And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven" (James 5:15; NKJV).

Jason Cicero