2 Timothy 1:2-5 - Young Timothy

 

Most of Paul's previous letters have been to the churches… Ephesus, Galatia, Philippi… but not this one ... this one is personal... close to the heart.

 2 Timothy 1:2 To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy⁵ when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.

 Paul calls him a ‘beloved son’ whom he 'prays for day and night', whose faith fills him with joy... wow.  Timothy’s mom and grandma taught young Timothy.  His dad?... probably Greek, we don't know too much.  But what mattered was the impact of his faithful mom and grandmother.  

 But what would make this young guy stick so close to Paul?  I think  sometimes it’s not just the gospel message that we ‘hear’ but the gospel message that we ‘see’.  In Acts 14:8-20, Paul and Barnabus come to Timothy's town of Lystra, preach the gospel and heal one of the locals. Timothy had either a front row seat or first hand knowledge.  First the townsmen start to worship them, then the Jews turn the people against them.  One minute they threw roses, the next minute they threw rocks ...literally.  The crowd hurls rocks at Paul until his body crumbles to the ground and they continue until he stops moving (ugh).   Convinced Paul is dead, they drag his battered body and toss it outside the city.  I wince just reading the words.  Next? Paul comes back into the city.  (I know where I’d be running and it wouldn’t be back to Lystra).  No wonder Timothy stuck by his side.  Paul made an impression in this young disciple’s mind… something he could never forget. 

Paul begins the letter commending Timothy’s faith, a faith that was so clearly displayed for him in the life of his mom and grandmother, and in the example of a spiritual father who considered his life of no value compared to knowing and serving Christ. 

Paul and Timothy.  Two hearts, knit together by one God, for one purpose.  Two servants of the Most High; one soon stepping aside from service and one stepping up to it. 

We all need a Paul and a Timothy as we journey.. one to learn from and one to disciple. In serving Christ, some days they’ll throw roses, and some days they’ll throw rocks… don’t let either of those distract you from your purpose.  And to all the Lois’s and Eunice’s pouring out into little ones, the Aunties and Uncles and family friends: you’re not wasting your days reading Bible stories, praying for young ones, babysitting, or just living your faith in a kitchen full of dirty dishes... not even close... you are making disciples and influencing the leaders of the next generation... don't ever forget that.   Sometimes it’s not just the gospel message we hear, but the gospel message we see. Live well.