Paul’s Confidence
Last night I attended the Centennial Institute Christmas and awards dinner. It was a delightful event. The institute honored Archbishop Samuel Aquila, in recognition of his fight for the sanctity of life. He gave an excellent message and it was an honor to get a picture with him along with Sosamma Samuel-Burnett, President of G.L.O.B.A.L. Justice.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4:18 NIV
As I read once again the final chapter of 2 Timothy, these final words of Paul in what is viewed as his final letter arrested my attention. Perhaps it is because Paul is telling Timothy about those who have betrayed, opposed or abandon him. All of this makes him value Timothy’s faithfulness and companionship that much more.
He says, “Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me.” (2 Timothy 4:9-11 NIV)
When we are forsaken, we need those who we can count on. Paul even tells Timothy to bring Mark with him. Mark was the one who had left Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. He later was the cause of a division between Paul and Barnabas. But Mark had redeemed himself over the years. Now at the end of his life Paul sought the fellowship of Mark along with Timothy.
But Paul throughout his years, had suffered much for the cause of Christ. He was not whining or complaining. He quickly turns and ends with a statement of confidence. “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack…” Paul had the assurance of who was on his side. He had already told Timothy about his sufferings, “Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12 NIV)
To the Corinthians Paul wrote, “He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us…” (2 Corinthians 1:10 NIV) The confidence Paul had toward the end of his life, was the same confidence he had throughout his ministry.
Paul was not just looking for the Lord’s strength and intervention in his present trials, but his eyes were on the prize before him, “…will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.” Paul had written to the Philippians, “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) Now his time was drawing near and he looked forward to it with anticipation and confidence.
“Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8,9 NIV)
Paul in his life demonstrated obedience, faithfulness to a call and perseverance under trials. He showed how to live and now he shows how to die. It is all because of what Christ accomplished for him and though him, To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Prayer for today… Lord, thank You, for being faithful to deliver us from any and all troubles. May our confidence and faith be like Paul’s. You alone are the hope for this life and the next.