In Romans 16, Paul gives thanks for some who "risked their necks for his life." He is thankful and realizes that others share his appreciation as well.
Romans 16:3-4 (ESV) Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well.
These friends had stepped up to put their lives on the line in defending and supporting Paul. We have those who do the same for us every day. They may not be friends that we know by name or fellow workers in the church, but they leave home and go to work knowing that they put their lives on the line - "risk their necks" - for us. They wear the uniforms of our military, police, and firefighters.
As a chaplain with our police department, I was recently in a debriefing with officers who had just dealt with a crisis. A shooter had wounded a neighbor, threatened a friend, and began shooting as they arrived. Within seconds, they had to make a decision on the action they would take, knowing that they might not go home to their families at the end of their shift. But they did what was necessary, risking their lives for the safety of others.
That happens with police, firefighters and, of course, our military. We may not often stop to think about what they face each day and the sacrifice that day might bring. Take time today to give thanks to God for those who serve us and are willing to risk their necks for us. And when you see one of those individuals somewhere, take a moment to say "Thanks".
Pastor Rod
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