Philippians 2:19-24 Father and Son

Philippians 2:19  I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon that I may also be cheered when I receive news about you.  20 I have no one else like him who takes a genuine interest your welfare 21 for everyone looks out for his own interest, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because, as a son with his father, he has served with me in the work of the gospel.  23 I hope, therefore, to send him, as soon as I see how things go with me.  24  And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

Yep, seriously... he went back

Paul met Timothy, his mom and grandma on his trip to Lystra & Derbe... not quite a vacation since they stoned the apostle for sharing Christ. They dragged him out of the city thinking he was dead.  So Paul's natural response was.... to go back the next day. Seriously?   Yep, seriously. From then on, Timothy stuck to him like glue.

After seeing Paul's sacrifice on behalf of those who needed to hear the gospel, Timothy took a genuine interest in the welfare of others (v20) when everyone else was worried about themselves. I'm pretty sure it's not that Timothy didn't have interests, preferences or concerns of his own, he just put those things behind his love for the brethren. Timothy wanted to see them secure in the faith, grounded and growing.

Timothy proved himself (v22) by working 'as a son with a father'.   There's a humility here that smacks against everything the world show us about rising to the top.   Timothy didn't have to call the shots, cast the vision of where they should go, or 'tap out' every time there were in crazy circumstances.  No fancy title.  No recognition or award.  Over and over and over, just faithful to do what needed to be done so that others could grow in their faith.  That is how he 'proved himself'. 

So sorry, I can't be there.  I'm a little tied up at the moment...

So, while Paul couldn't get to Philippi, he reminds the Philippians that he loves them and he is sending his 'son'; the only other one with a love and devotion for their spiritual well being.  One who has attached himself as a student and apprentice to a great mentor/father.  One who has been proven faithful.

This is church.  This is 'making disciples'.  This is our mission as well. We all need a Paul to follow and a Timothy to disciple.  Someone to help us strengthen our resolve to be faithful in serving, and someone we can strengthen and encourage in following their mission.

Father,
Life is jam packed with activity.   Help us to throw some things overboard that won't matter eternally, to make room for the things you have created us to do.   Help us to be like Timothy in a world where everyone looks out for their own interests and not the spiritual well being of others.  Give each one of us a Paul to follow, to encourage us toward godliness by their example, someone we can 'stick to like glue'.  Give us each a Timothy as well, so that when we near the finish line, we can pass the baton.   Amen