ODJ: little platoons
February 15, 2011
These are the only Jewish believers among my co-workers; they are working with me here for the kingdom of God. And what a comfort they have been! (v.11).
READ: Colossians 4:7-18
In his book, Waking the Dead, John Eldredge writes: “When he left Rivendell, Frodo didn’t head out with 1,000 elves. He had eight companions. Jesus didn’t march around backed by hundreds of followers either. He had 12 men. . . . Though we are part of a great company, we are meant to live in little platoons. The little companies we form must be small enough for each of the members to know one another as friends and allies.” In the closing section of Colossians, Paul listed and described his little platoon of friends and allies.
In describing his platoon, Paul used relational language. He said Tychicus was a “dear brother, a faithful minister,” and a “fellow servant” in the Lord (4:7 NIV). It was probably Paul’s theology of equality that allowed him to build a significant relationship with the slave Onesimus (v.9; Philemon 1:10). The apostle called him “a faithful and beloved brother.” Another platoon member was Mark (Col. 4:10). This was the same Mark who abandoned Paul in the middle of a mission. When he went AWOL, it caused so much tension between Paul and Barnabas that they ended up separating (Acts 15:36-39). The fact that Mark was now ministering with (and to) Paul (2 Timothy 4:11) reveals that the two had renewed their relationship through forgiveness and reconciliation.
In addition to Tychicus, Onesimus, and Mark, Paul also listed Aristarchus, Jesus (who is called Justus), Luke, and Demas (Colossians 4:10-14). Lastly, Paul wrote that Epaphras also cared for him and the Colossians by praying “earnestly” for them (vv.12-13). The men made up a small platoon, but it had a big relational impact on the apostle Paul.
As believers in Jesus, we’re called to live in little platoons as well. These groups of growing Christians will thrive as we accept, forgive, serve, comfort, pray for, and work hard for one another. —Marvin Williams
Who are the members of your little platoon? How have they comforted, served, accepted, prayed for, and worked hard for you lately? What kind of platoon member are you?
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