AP

2 Timothy 4:16-18  At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me.  May it not be held against them.  But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.  And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.  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.

Although the Pastoral Epistles were written to specific people (Timothy and Titus), and deal with specific situations in the early Church, they are extremely helpful and appropriate for us as we seek to serve the Lord and be faithful to his Word today.

We learn much about Paul’s character and attitude that encourages and challenges us (cf Philippians 4:9), as well as how to deal with tricky circumstances.  His very understanding and forgiving attitude to fellow-believers who had let him down badly at a critical time challenges us when we experience similar disappointment, but it also contrasts with his standing firm for the truth and proclamation of the Gospel in the face of active, organised opposition from people like Alexander the Metalworker (see verses 14-15, in the lead up to today’s verses!).  Even in Alexander’s case he was leaving just retribution in the Lords hands.

In fact, Paul was so committed to the doctrine of God’s sovereignty that he could trust him in all things, including his safety in the midst of Nero’s public lion-feeding ’sport’!  I need to learn from the example of the apostle.

Paul was also always keen to recognise the sovereign purpose behind divine providence (as I have mentioned before, the Hebrew word, ‘lamah’, which we translate as ‘why’ – cf Jesus’ ‘WHY have you forsaken me’ from the cross – literally means ‘FOR WHAT’ (cf the French ‘pourquois’)).  Paul’s rescue ‘from the lion’s mouth’, not only gave him confidence about his future, but showed him that it was God’s purpose for him to continue in his mission to the Gentiles until the predetermined time came for him to be taken ‘safely to [God’s] heavenly kingdom’.

Do I get up every morning and say, “This new day ahead of me is a gracious gift from my loving Lord and Saviour: How does he want me to use it for his eternal glory?”  Do I always acknowledge the Lord ‘standing at my side and giving me strength’?  If so, why do I so often become anxious and confused?  Perhaps after sharing this with you, the next couple of days, at least, might be better!

– Bruce Christian