How should a disciple behave when he/she realizes that the world is spiraling out of control around them? Here’s what Paul says in a few short, helpful bullet points.
Be ready to preach. (could be believers or unbelievers) Be ready to train (encourage, chastise, etc.)
Keep a clear mind. Don’t be afraid to suffer. Work hard at what you know God called you do.
Paul must have been something. I mean, here is this great apostle and hero of the faith, writing while in chains, and encouraging the church….and almost everyone who was supporting him has left? Why? Clearly Paul is in need of help. He calls for his coat and some writing materials. Why ask for a coat? surely someone locally could give him a coat. That’s a mystery to me. I wonder if Paul simply didn’t want to inconvenience the believers. However, he has no problem asking a favor of Timothy. Maybe that’s because he views Timothy differently…as a fellow minister, and as such, he should be willing to endure more, serve and sacrifice more. Maybe it’s because he considers Timothy his son. It’s interesting that he requests John Mark, since in his earlier years he refused to work with him. Paul has probably softened a little, and John Mark has undoubtedly grown….enough that the two of them can now work together. That’s a good example for all of us to follow.
There is a hint of “good-bye” in Paul’s writing here. He is taking the long view, realizing that He will soon go to be with Jesus and his friends will stay behind and continue the work. Sooner or later all of us leave some things unfinished, things that the next generation can choose to pick up and carry on, or leave behind. When you look back using the long view you can feel sad, or wistful at least, that you could have done more, experienced more, achieved more. Looking back can make you feel both happy and sad. But looking forward with the long view can only bring feelings of joy, because heaven is the long view of every Christian. With heaven in focus we can endure suffering, rejection or poor return on our investment in ministry. The reality of heaven makes everything that we endure on earth worthwhile. So whatever comes, let it come. Heaven is our reward and promise.
As I look back at those bullet comments I jotted down at the beginning of my post, I realize that the second half of this note is the motivation for the first. “Preach, train, stay focused, work hard…..because….”heaven”
Heaven is real. Heaven is available. Heaven is our inheritance. Heaven is where Jesus is waiting.
Encouraged,
PR