Getting personal with Paul.

2 Timothy 4:9-15

⁹ Timothy, please come as soon as you can. ¹⁰ Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia. ¹¹ Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry. ¹² I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. ¹³ When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers.

¹⁴ Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm, but the Lord will judge him for what he has done. ¹⁵ Be careful of him, for he fought against everything we said.

When God made creation, it was not complete until humans were created because only then were relationships possible. We, like God (in whose image we are made), need close relationships with people who we can trust and be vulnerable with. This passage shows Paul, mighty and courageous apostle, as vulnerable and needing support from his close friends. Paul had been let down, betrayed, opposed and deserted in relationships of a human variety, but not by God. In the same way we may feel like Paul at times – disappointed in some way by the action, inaction or words of those we thought we could depend on, or we may inadvertently cause someone else to feel this way.  Or maybe we just need some practical help (a cloak, some scrolls). But Paul does not project this disappointment to his relationship with or expectation of God. He shows he has not been deterred from the calling of God on his life and in vs 14 that he will let God defend himself. Likewise, we need to remember that when we are hurt or let down by fellow Christians or friends that we are not therefore abandoned by God. We need to extend grace and forgiveness just as Christ did to us. We need to make sure we in turn are approaching our relationships with compassion and integrity. We need to support one another and look out for the needs of those around us. It is Ok to ask for help in a very practical way if we need it. You and I can be the hands of God to someone just by offering tangible practical help to another. Let’s work together in this life in a loving and sincere way, with a blend of practical and spiritual support, and let us extend grace to those who cause us hurt.

Heavenly Father thank you for all that you have done for me and continue to do in my life. Help me to love those around me and to be aware of anyone that needs my help. Help me to walk in integrity today and every day that follows.

I pray this in Jesus Name. Amen

Written by Christine Knight