The words “abandoned” and “forsaken” are two of the most depressing and dismal words in the English language. No one wants to feel abandoned or forsaken, especially if they are going through a very difficult time. This was the condition that the Apostle Paul found himself at the time of our Scripture passage today. Yet, was he completely forsaken? Let’s look to our study for today.
At the time that Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy he was in prison for preaching the Gospel. This wasn’t the first time that he had been imprisoned. Previous imprisonments had been generally like house arrest, where he was fairly comfortable, and could receive guests. However now, this imprisonment was in a damp, cold dungeon. Paul faced further trials for preaching about Jesus, and later would be executed. When someone faces a trial like this, it is a comfort to see supporters there, and know that others are on your side. Paul had to go through this alone.
Was Paul depressed and discouraged because of this? The tone of the closing of this letter was not one of self-pity or despair. Paul could face death confidently as he knew he had faithfully carried out his calling (vs. 6-7). No matter how difficult his fight was, he kept going. He compared his life since becoming a Christian to that of a race. Life can be like a difficult race. Sometimes we’re exhausted, we have no more strength. It is then that we have to focus on the finish line and not quit. That is what Paul was doing now. No matter what he had been through, including stonings, beatings, imprisonment, he never gave up doing what God had called him to, and that was to preach the Gospel. We, too, should run with endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1). To finish our race well, we need to keep a strong grip on Jesus, standing firm in Him (Philippians 4:1). Paul never lost his faith. He was wholeheartedly committed to Jesus, and believed His promises. Jesus would take him through the challenges, and lead him safely home.
Paul looked forward to seeing Jesus and being with Him for eternity. He also looked forward to the crowns he would get, one of them being the crown of righteousness (vs. 8). The crown of righteousness will be awarded to those who live each day loving and anticipating Jesus’ imminent return, and to those who conduct their earthly lives with eternity’s values in view. All believers have an inheritance, and it is waiting in heaven for us. There is a place reserved just for you, and no one else will have your spot.
As Paul continues in our passage, he relates how everyone has left him. Some left to escape imprisonment and go minister to churches in other areas, such as Crescens, Titus, and Tychicus (vs. 10-12). Others, like Demas and Alexander abandoned him or tried to cause him more harm (vs. 10, 14). Though friends and family may leave us, Jesus will never abandon us! (vs. 16-17). He is faithful and will never leave us (Deuteronomy 31:8).
Let’s look at two of the names mentioned here - Demas and Mark. Early in Paul’s ministry, on his first missionary journey with Barnabas, Mark had joined them. Mark was a young man then. He grew fearful and left the mission trip, which upset Paul. Now he was more mature, and Paul knew he was a faithful and useful soldier for Christ (vs. 11). Mark started weak but finished strong. The other, Demas, had once been a co-worker with Paul (Philemon 1:24; Colossians 4:14). Now, though, he forsook Paul for the love of this world’s pleasures. He started strong, but finished weak.
When Paul stood before the Roman tribunal and received the death sentence, he was all alone. Everyone had deserted him. Yet he stood faithful to Jesus. He was ready for death, as he firmly believed in the resurrection and eternal life. Sometimes the Lord will remove everyone and everything we depend on to teach us to trust Him more. We learn that when all else fails, the Lord will not fail us. He stands by us. We can always rely on Jesus.
When our life is ended, will others be able to say of us that we finished the race well, and kept the faith? God is greater than anything we will ever have to face, as Paul could testify. Let’s give our struggles to God, and run the race with joy.
No comments:
Post a Comment