Day 227, 2 Timothy 1
Paul’s final letter is written from prison shortly before his execution ordered by Emperor Nero. This is his last will and testament, bequeathing his ministry to his spiritual son, Timothy, who is still in Ephesus, clearing up the false teaching which had emerged there. (Which we discussed when we read 1 Timothy).
Notice how positively Paul begins his letter, even though he was suffering severely and knew his time was short. He acknowledges the power of the relationship he and Timothy shared: the power of fathering that we should all aspire to model.
Timothy is to fan into flame the gift of God - The Holy Spirit - he received through Paul’s prayer and laying-on of hands. Holy Spirit gives us mighty power (dunamis or dynamite), love and self control, in contrast to the fear which is ours when we live in our own strength amidst suffering.
It is God’s lavish gift of grace to unite us with Jesus - we didn’t deserve it, nor could we earn it. But now we are transformed by it.
And called as a result of our receiving the gift of salvation - called to represent Jesus whatever the cost, as Paul did. The certainty of that calling kept Paul secure throughout all his sufferings, and his expectation for Timothy is the same.
So, by implication, the same is true for you and me.
Have a great day!
Mark.