Message from the Pastor

In what is thought by many to be the last of the Biblical books the apostle Paul wrote, he ends with what seems to be a complaint, even what might we might term a ‘pity party’.  He seems very disappointed that people weren’t there for him in his hour of need.  

 He is even willing to reinstate Mark as his helper, having previously rejected him for deserting the group during an earlier mission.

 ^“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. ¹⁶ The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them.” (2 Timothy 4:9-16 NLT)

 There will be times in our lives when we will feel alone, even abandoned.  But notice how, just like the psalmist a millennia before often did, Paul ends by remembering God’s goodness to him, and re-commits himself to serving and glorifying the Lord.

 ^“17 But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. ¹⁸ Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.” (2 Timothy 4:17-18 NLT)

 Thanks be to God for His faithfulness, and the honesty of the Scriptures.

Alan

 

      Alan