Pray for the Church in Syria
Ignatius encourages the listener to pray for the Church in Syria, and to show love and support to its leaders, while also expressing his own feelings of unworthiness.
Ignatius of Antioch reflects on the Church in Syria, entrusting it to the Lord as its shepherd, who declares Himself as the good Shepherd. He humbly acknowledges his unworthiness but expresses gratitude for the mercy he has received to serve God. Ignatius sends his greetings to the Churches that have welcomed him in the name of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the unity and love among believers across different cities.
Text
Remember in your prayers the Church which is in Syria, which, instead of me, has now for its shepherd the Lord, who says, "I am the good Shepherd."
And He alone will oversee it, as well as your love towards Him. But as for me, I am ashamed to be counted one of them; for I am not worthy, as being the very last of them, and one born out of due time.
But I have obtained mercy to be somebody, if I shall attain to God. My spirit salutes you, and the love of the Churches which have received me in the name of Jesus Christ, and not as a mere passerby. For even those Churches which were not near to me in the way, have brought me forward, city by city.
Sermon Outline
- Introduction
- Ignatius' Humility
- The Love of the Churches
- Receiving Ignatius in Jesus' name
- Support from distant churches
Key Quotes
“I am ashamed to be counted one of them; for I am not worthy, as being the very last of them, and one born out of due time.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“My spirit salutes you, and the love of the Churches which have received me in the name of Jesus Christ, and not as a mere passerby.” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- We should pray for the Church in Syria and its leaders, just as Ignatius asks us to.
- We can show love and support to the Church in Syria by being willing to receive and support its leaders.
- We should not feel too proud or worthy, but rather recognize our own unworthiness and seek God's mercy.