In 2 Timothy, Paul is in prison in Rome about thirty five years since his amazing conversion on the way to Damascus, and twenty years after he began his three missionary journeys. He wrote, “To be absent from the body meant he would be present with the Lord.” He was content wherever he was as long as he was in God’s will. Talk about the big picture. He is awaiting trial and execution and he is looking ahead to being with his Lord, not just his mortal life.
Life as we know it seems vast, yet we are told by scripture it is “but a vapor that vanisheth away.” Timothy was most likely present when Paul was arrested and carried to Rome for the second and final time. No doubt he was in great pain emotionally, and it may not have been easy to face the daunting task as a Pastor.
Ecclesiastes tells us there is nothing new under the sun. The trials and attacks we see today have been ever present. Doctrine and Godly living had been diluted to make God more acceptable to man than man acceptable to God. True doctrine only comes from proper interpretation of the Bible. Too often we piece scripture together out of context to satisfy our desire.
Something really popular is to tell someone, “You believe it how you want to and I will do the same.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Where modern Christians get in trouble sometimes is believing we can rise above hard times and trouble and not ever be down. God has promised we will have tribulation and persecution because we are his children.
2 Timothy 1: 12 is one of my favorite passages, and that is why I am sharing it with you today. “For which cause I suffer these things? Never-the-less I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him against that day.”
Paul’s lowly state in prison didn’t bother him; he embarrassed some by being imprisoned. Paul felt like the building of the church was worth every second of his suffering. To say that I know whom I have believed is, to me, one of the most incredible passages of Holy Scripture. To be able to embrace and stand firm on knowing Christ is with us blows my mind. There have been many times in my life this has been most comforting to me.
Your hurt may be more personal in nature than what Paul was going through. Bills are backing up, your health is uncertain, maybe you are estranged from a loved one, and maybe there is sin in your life keeping you from having a relationship from God. People tell you they are praying for you and know how you feel. But they really don’t, though done with good intention.
We have a couple of promises I want to share from scripture. Hebrews 13:5b “For he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” 1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” We must be strong in Grace. Jesus lived as man, died for our sin, was raised from the dead and brought eternal life to all who would believe. He is our only comfort; people will disappoint and even abandon or turn on you, but Jesus never fails!
For those that looked to 2021 to be better than 2020, all I can say is “surprise!” I am glad to say we can look to the God of David and Abraham and he will keep us and deliver us in his time.
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