Bit Part: A small or insignificant role, as in a play. A very small acting part with few lines to speak. Do you ever feel like you are playing a bit part in a play called Life?
Some people in the Bible are not the main stars that require pages to tell all their exploits. They are given a few lines in Scripture and seem to be a bit part in the stories that are told. Or so we think.
I’ve been reading and thinking about three less known people in the Bible. Andrew. Epaphras. Tychicus. Perhaps there are no bit parts in the body of Christ.
Andrew
Peter gets a lot of coverage in the Bible. But Peter had a brother named Andrew. Often in Scripture he is called Andrew, Peter’s brother to identify him. But his bit part was significant. I call Andrew a connector. He made the story move forward. The first thing he did when he found the Messiah was to seek out brother Peter and take him to Jesus. (John 1:35-42)
Brother Peter? He was a talker. Thousands came to Jesus after Andrew connected Peter to Him. In fact, Peter was chosen to give the gospel to the Jews. In another place we see Andrew connect Jesus to a boy who had fish, loaves (John 6:8). So if you are only known as the son of or wife of or brother of…just smile. Your bit part may be what the LORD needs to keep His script moving forward.
Epaphras
Epaphras is perhaps best known as the man who wrestled in prayer for others in a region. He prayed that they would stand mature in ALL the will of God. Just an intercessor, who spent a lot of time alone with an audience of one. Probably if he were here, he would be praying for regional leaders to not give up. He is mentioned twice. (Colossians 4:12,13; Philemon 1:23)
Tychicus
Tychicus was a faithful friend and right-hand man to Paul. Apostle Paul called him, “Dear brother and faithful minister in the Lord” (Ephesians 6:21). Most of the time, he was a mailman, encourager, and once he was the guard who returned Onesimus to his master. He took trips through territories filled with robbers to deliver Paul’s writings to churches in other regions. Some of these letters became the Bible we read.
So if you are a friend who helps others, realize that you are an important part of a play called Life that will be read by future generations. (Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21,22; Colossians 4:7; 2Timothy 4:12; Titus 3:12)
PRAYER: Father, help us not to look at others but to do our bit part with joy. Amen.
~ Daisy Bailey, writer, http://daisybailey.com/
~ Mick Haupt, Unsplash, photographer
