2 Timothy 1
What a difference three years can
make! Look at pictures of children taken
three years apart. Three years ago
someone didn’t have cancer that now does.
Three years ago a widow was happily married. Three years ago a family was childless. Three years ago I lived in a different state. A lot can change in three years.
There are about three years between the
two letters Paul wrote to Timothy. The
first letter to Timothy was one of encouragement and teaching to a young pastor
from and active and seasoned veteran. The
second letter has more of a tone of partnership and love from a senior pastor
to his trusted partner. What is more,
Paul was now in prison, so Timothy was not only a partner, but as Paul was
unable to actively spread the gospel so Timothy has become the man of action.
There is an important picture of
partnership between generations here, as well as recognition of the next
generation rising to take mantle of leadership in the church. As Paul reminds Timothy of “the gift of God,”
(his faith and salvation) he speaks also of his own hope in Jesus’ death and
resurrection. He also looks
realistically at his situation and reminds Timothy that his suffering is
connected to the faith they share, which serves as a bracing reminder for Timothy
to place his hope only on God’s work in him.
Today the generations tend to be
divided. Children go to school. Adults go to work. Seniors leave work to enjoy life. This tripartite separation robs the
generations of the benefits they have to offer one another as brothers and
sisters in Christ. The enthusiasm of the
young is not tempered by the experience of the old. The weariness of the old is not offset by the
zeal of youth. The inexperience of the
initiate is not blessed by the wisdom of one who has walked the path of faith
for years. The one experiencing trials
for the first time does not have the blessing of having one who has experienced
many coming along side to pray for them, encourage them, and point them to a
better hope. The one found in sin and
shame– young or old – needs brothers and sisters to come along side and point
them to Christ. God gives us to one
another for the sake of our faith and growth in the Spirit of Christ.
Lord, help me honor brothers and sisters in
Christ, young and old, and rejoice in the grace and faith you have given us for
your purpose. Amen.
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