“Like the cold of snow in time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him, for he refreshes the soul of his masters” (Proverbs 25:13).
Harvesting a summer crop of grain by hand is ordinarily a very hot and dusty drudgery. Working day after day in Palestine’s intense heat and wind—like Ruth did during the barley and wheat harvests (Ruth 2:23)—is exhausting. Having a day (or days) during the harvest in which there is cloud cover and unseasonably cool weather is an extraordinary blessing and refreshment to a harvester.
In a world where unpredictability is a common trait, finding someone who is reliable is a rare, but quite refreshing, experience. Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus refreshed Paul’s spirit when they visited him (1 Cor. 16:17-18) in Ephesus (1 Cor. 16:8). Titus’ spirit was refreshed by the Corinthians’ obedience to Paul’s command to withdrawal from an erring brother and his subsequent decision to repent (2 Cor. 7:13). Onesiphorus and his household were an oasis of refreshment to the imprisoned apostle (2 Tim. 1:16). Philemon was a reliable source of refreshment to many brethren, including Paul (Philemon 7, 20).
Being consistently reliable may seem mundane and insignificant. It is not.
It is refreshing.
