Today’s Reading: 2 Timothy 1; 2 Timothy 2; 2 Timothy 3; 2 Timothy 4
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:2-3
2 To Timothy, my dear son...
3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.
Observation: What a beautiful letter this is! I just love the relationship between Paul and Timothy -- there is a sweetness to it that is all too rare. I think that this kind of closeness and preciousness between two people who serve together in ministry should be much more common than it is. (But that is a different subject for a different day.) What I wanted to write about today was Paul's commitment to pray for Timothy. Verse three proves verse two to be true.
Application: It is easy to say things like, "my dear son," or "I appreciate you," or "you are so precious to me." But Paul doesn't just say it, he backs it up by taking personal responsibility to pray daily for Timothy -- and not just daily (although most of us rarely will do even this much) but constantly! Paul has a special relationship with Timothy wherein Timothy is out of Paul's mind and heart. So as Paul goes throughout his day, his thoughts of Timothy become prayers for Timothy. What a great example Paul is to me as a leader having dear and precious disciples who "follow me as I follow Christ." Thank you, Lord, for reminding me of my responsibility and privilege to constantly bring my dear helpers before your throne of grace.
Prayer: And Lord, help me to carry this out with joy and diligence and consistency. I am grateful for the faithful men and women -- my partners in service to you -- that you have been gracious to put into my life. May I always be faithful to "constantly remember [them] in my prayers."
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
