Longings
June 14
As we jump into 2 Timothy, Paul, who is still imprisoned, is longing to see his young pastor friend Timothy. If you have ever moved away or experienced a close friend moving away, you can relate to this kind of longing. Paul's is intensified due to sensing his impending death. For many of us we have family or friends who are battling life threatening diseases, living in their 80's or 90's, or serving in our military and there is often a pondering each time we are with them if this will be the last earthly encounter. What incentive to make the most of the moments we have together.
Paul, once again is wanting to pour into Timothy knowledge and encouragement. The year is around A.D. 66 and being a Christian under the rule of Emperor Nero is not a popular platform!
Paul's love for Timothy is evident as he refers to him as "my son". He knows the road ahead for Timothy will be tough to travel so he whispers through his pen and paper in verse 2:3, probably praying Timothy can imagine Paul placing his arm around his shoulder,
Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Two other nuggets of wisdom in this book which we can cherish and learn from ourselves are:
2:22-23 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Lord, how endless is Your love. Thank You for the day before us and the opportunity to feast upon Your Word and feel Your love beat down upon us like the warmth of the sun. Father, as Paul writes to Timothy with a sense of urgency help us to order our days in a similar way. Teach us to be moved by the Spirit and be obedient to the longings and promptings You place in front of us. Make today count for Your kingdom. In Jesus' Name, Amen
As we jump into 2 Timothy, Paul, who is still imprisoned, is longing to see his young pastor friend Timothy. If you have ever moved away or experienced a close friend moving away, you can relate to this kind of longing. Paul's is intensified due to sensing his impending death. For many of us we have family or friends who are battling life threatening diseases, living in their 80's or 90's, or serving in our military and there is often a pondering each time we are with them if this will be the last earthly encounter. What incentive to make the most of the moments we have together.
Paul, once again is wanting to pour into Timothy knowledge and encouragement. The year is around A.D. 66 and being a Christian under the rule of Emperor Nero is not a popular platform!
Paul's love for Timothy is evident as he refers to him as "my son". He knows the road ahead for Timothy will be tough to travel so he whispers through his pen and paper in verse 2:3, probably praying Timothy can imagine Paul placing his arm around his shoulder,
Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Two other nuggets of wisdom in this book which we can cherish and learn from ourselves are:
2:22-23 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Lord, how endless is Your love. Thank You for the day before us and the opportunity to feast upon Your Word and feel Your love beat down upon us like the warmth of the sun. Father, as Paul writes to Timothy with a sense of urgency help us to order our days in a similar way. Teach us to be moved by the Spirit and be obedient to the longings and promptings You place in front of us. Make today count for Your kingdom. In Jesus' Name, Amen
