Daily Worship

A Key Harbour

Laura Digan November 05, 2024 4 3
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Romans 16: 1 (NRSVA)

1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae.

Where we come from shapes us, moulds us. 

I grew up in a town called Coatbridge in Lanarkshire, Central Scotland. During the 19th and very early 20th centuries Coatbridge was renowned for its iron and steel works. I have always been tenacious and determined, never giving up. It’s my superpower! Those who know me well have often heard me say that I have a core of steel, just like my hometown! 

Phoebe’s hometown will have shaped her. Cenchrea was a harbour town situated about five miles from Corinth. It was an important location within the region for it was from here that goods moved between Asia Minor, North Africa, Italy and the rest of Europe. So it was a meeting place between different cultures, languages and commerce.This environment would have influenced and moulded Phoebe. Perhaps it made her more welcoming and understanding to the needs of others. Perhaps it gave her a bug for travel, able to go where the Lord sent her.

 

Prayer:

 

Holy Spirit, 

Give me insight today to understand how the place I come from has shaped me. Help me to be like Phoebe and to use this insight to serve your church.

Amen