The Mississippi Drainage Basin (MDB) is the third largest in the world. Only the Amazon and Congo watersheds are larger. It covers all or part of 31 states and resembles a funnel with its sprout at the Gulf of Mexico.
Whether you live in Great Falls, MT, or Asheville, NC -- 2,000 miles apart -- you're still in the MDB.
Few people realize how critical this inexpensive transportation network was to the growth of the U.S. The products from the best farmlands in America could flow downstream to markets all over the world. But the "mighty" Mississippi wouldn't be nearly so mighty without all the little tributaries that make up the greatness of the MDB.
In Phil. 1:5, Paul expresses his gratitude for the Philippians' "partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." This aligns with Paul's broader point of emphasizing unity and collaboration among all believers everywhere. He views the Philippians as co-laborers, and he's confident that Jesus will continue to work through their faithfulness until he returns.
Participation in the gospel was at the very center of Paul's relationships with other believers. It's a joint commitment to an enterprise -- in fact, the most important enterprise in the world. This participation involves not only the money the Philippians sent to Paul but their own evangelistic zeal in promoting the gospel. Paul may have been the "big river," but all of us are tributaries that have a vital role to play.
How wonderful the grace of God! What joy to be partners in the gospel!