Our texts of devotion are taking from 2 Corinthians 2 verses 12 to 13 and it reads:

[12] Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

[13] I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

MESSAGE

    A troop of monkeys got to the bank of a river but could not cross because of the strong currents and the possibility of predators, such as crocodiles, in the river. Moreover, they had young, vulnerable ones who could not survive the crossing. But they held on to one another in a chain and climbed to the top of a tall tree on one riverbank. The one at the head led the chain of monkeys to jump and grab a branch on the opposite bank. The vulnerable ones then rode on the back of others to the opposite side. At the same time, the last monkey in the chain on the departure side released its grip, and the chain dangled across the river to the other side.

    This story highlights the importance of love and partnership in human endeavours, especially in gospel work. In our text, Apostle Paul was enjoying a breakthrough at Troas, but his ministry partner, Titus, was unavailable. He soon left because he longed for his absent brother, a good example of how partnership contributes to successful ministry. Christian ministers should not be lone rangers in ministry. Partnership in God's work enables us to harness fellow believers' diverse gifts and skills. These attributes make us a good fit for ministry together, since "Iron sharpeneth iron". A stronger believer can help lift a weaker or discouraged one. Moreover, "two are better than one". Two people attacking a common obstacle from different angles are likely more effective than a lone ranger, fighting and giving up when he becomes weak or weary. Furthermore, the outcome of combined efforts is always greater and better.

    The Lord Himself gave an example by selecting the twelve disciples to join Him in ministry and by sending out the seventy in pairs. However, this partnership should be based on shared Christian virtues and values: two cannot work together except they agree. Christian partners in ministry and also in marriage have to depend on God for enabling grace and guidance to achieve success in life and fruitfulness in the gospel work. We should be like Titus, who was a valued member of the team. His contribution was acknowledged in other parts of the Scripture, and it shows that our absence will be felt if we add value to the team. When we bring our unique virtues, gifts and attributes to the ministry of the word, the work will prosper, we shall benefit from others and be a blessing to them, and God shall be glorified.