***
2 Timothy 2: 8-15
Beloved:
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David:
such is my Gospel, for which I am suffering,
even to the point of chains, like a criminal.
But the word of God is not chained.
Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen,
so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus,
together with eternal glory.
This saying is trustworthy:
If we have died with him
we shall also live with him;
if we persevere
we shall also reign with him.
But if we deny him
he will deny us.
If we are unfaithful
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny himself.
Remind people of these things
and charge them before God to stop disputing about words.
This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen.
Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God,
a workman who causes no disgrace,
imparting the word of truth without deviation.
The Word of the Lord.
***
***
Imagine receiving a letter from a loved one in prison. They’re writing, not to update you on their status or on what life is like in chains; rather, they’re writing to encourage you to do the very same things that caused them to be imprisoned.
You’re in the prime of your life. You don’t take your own freedom for granted. Nor do you have any desire to live behind bars. And yet, they say to you, “Do not be ashamed of me; rather, do what I have done.”
Who among us would listen?
***
Such is the feeling Timothy has in our first reading.
***
Paul is literally chained to the arms of a Roman soldier, awaiting his execution. One of his final acts is to write to his “spiritual son,” Timothy, whom he ordained a priest. Paul knows that Timothy is struggling in his faith and ministry, so he writes to encourage him.
First, Paul appeals to his character. Then he reminds Timothy of his roots; both his mother and grandmother were Christians. Then he reminds him of his priestly ordination. And for his closing argument, Paul reminds Timothy that Christ is alive … and in touch.
“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,” he says. “Such is my Gospel for which I am suffering… But the word of God is not chained… Remind people of these things… Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace.”
Paul understood that the burden of the Gospel was laid on his shoulders, but that his time was coming to an end. The yoke of ministry had to be handed on… and Timothy was among the “chosen” to share it.
***
Such is the case for each of us today.
***
There remain many in our world who’ve never heard the good news of the Gospel. Others have either misheard or misunderstood. People long to know the truth – that God loves us as we are and has saved us. As Paul says, “If Christ is for us, then who can be against us?”
Like Paul and Timothy, are you willing to share the yoke of the Gospel? And, if so, how do you share it – not simply in words – but by the way you live your life?
***
***
Image credits: (1) Truthout (2) Paul in Prison, Rembrandt (3) Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope