Faithful to the End
Today I finished my last IV antibiotic dose, but not before a few issues that arose. Last night as I was preparing for my night dose at 9 p.m. I found that my IV line had become loose. That required a call to an on-call nurse to come and insert the line once again.
It was interesting that the nurse who came was a male nurse who took care of me when I was in the acute care hospital. He was surprised and pleased to see my progress since he had last seen me. That was just before I moved to the rehabilitation hospital.
I am pleased that I am feeling better and look forward to next week and getting back to my therapy schedule. Please pray with me for wisdom for the doctors in addressing the root of these reoccurring infections.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas.” Colossians 4:14 “Do your best to come to me soon. For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica…Luke alone is with me.” 2 Timothy 4:9-11
This morning I read through the New Testament letter written to a Christian church in first century Colossae. This book contains great affirmations of the work of Christ for, in and through believers. Paul is writing to refute false teachings that would deny the deity of Christ and negate the value of His work on the cross.
However it is this obscure reference to a disciple by the name of Demas that caught my attention. Timothy is mentioned in the opening verse of the letter as being with Paul; at the end of the book Paul mentions several disciples who are with him and who have been sent out by him to strengthen the churches. I knew the name Demas was familiar and cross referenced the mention of his name in Colossians to that in 2 Timothy.
2 Timothy is Paul’s last letter. It is personal in nature and of great value because it was his last. As I read Paul’s encouragement and admonitions to Timothy it seems to carry a special significance in light of the desertion of Demas from the faith. As Paul encourages him to “stir up the gift in you” and “fight the good fight” it seems like in the back of his mind would be the thought don’t be like Demas. Hang in there, endure suffering, keep the faith!
Paul explains the heart of the issue with Demas; “…in love with this present world.” Paul was in prison, believers are being persecuted for their faith, there are real challenges and real threats. When Demas sized them all up, he decided he wasn’t “all in.” It is interesting the he fled to Thessalonica. Paul wrote two letter to believers there. These believers were being persecuted and needed encouragement from the apostle. So here is Demas in a seaport city with all of its temptations and allurements while those who are faithful to Christ are “enduring to the end.”
It is also of interest that the other follower of Christ Paul mentions in both letters is Luke. Luke was Paul’s faithful traveling companion. He was the author of the gospel that bears his name as well as the book of “Acts.” As Paul urges Timothy to come see him, he says, “only Luke is with me.” Faithful-consistent-steadfast, Luke. Both of these men were aware of the cost of following after Christ and aligning themselves with Paul. One made it, one did not. One was a deserter, the other was intensely loyal. One loved this present world, one did not count his life worthy as to shrink from death.
As you reflect on Demas and Luke, I encourage you to keep in mind the words of the Apostle John; “…this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.” (1 John 2:17) When you are faithful to the end you discover that there is no end.