To Him Be the Glory Forever
In this conclusion to Paul's beautiful letter to Timothy, the apostle closes with practical instructions and personal greetings. How heartening is it that Paul - who by all means has finished his race and should be ready to put his feet up and wash his hands and tie a bow on this hard life of ministry - is still asking for his books! He still, most of all, wants his parchments! He still wants to devote himself to the study of God's Word and the encouragement of his people!
The list of names that Paul gives is a sobering one. Some who have moved on in the ministry. Some who have abandoned the faith. Some who have actively opposed the gospel. And some who have faithfully laboured on. Even names like John Mark, who Paul once thought was unfit for a missionary journey - and now at the end of his days, Paul longs to see and affirms his usefulness. But one thing is clear; we don't follow Jesus in isolation. The Christian life is not lived in a vacuum. We will be hurt by those whose hearts cool and harden and become opposed. We will greive with joy over those who leave to spread the gospel elsewhere. We will be strengthened and grateful for those who stand faithfully alongside us. We will long to see those who go away and those who go to be with the Lord before us. But don't be deceived; we will be affected by one another. It is a myth to think that you can follow Jesus and not be bothered by what others do or don't do. We're all in this together.
May the Lord bring us safely into his Kingdom! To him be the glory forever. Amen.