Saturday 31 July, 2021

9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

In this passage, Paul mentions the names of people who partner with him in sharing the gospel. These are people who had experienced good times and hard times together. In this letter Paul mentions Demas. Paul also mentions him in Colossians. Demas has some good history with Paul. They have served Jesus together.

But sadly, somewhere along the way, Demas walks away because he has been tempted by what the world could offer him. In The Passion Translation it says Demas deserted Paul because he loved his own life. I wonder what Demas thought he was missing out on? I wonder what Demas hoped Thessalonica could offer him, that Jesus didn’t?

This is a sobering thought: being involved in Christian activities isn’t a guarantee we’ll keep following after Jesus. This passage causes me to reflect on my own life and ask, what things in life capture my attention that draw my heart away from Jesus?

Father, help me not to be distracted by the things the world offers me but to remain close to You and close friends within my church family. May I keep my relationship with You in first place, and serving second. Not vice versa. 

Written by Gab Martin