2 Timothy 4 - Finale - Get Kleenex

 

11 Only Luke is with me....13 Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come--and the books, especially the parchments... 16 At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.  17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.  18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!  21a Do your utmost to come before winter.... 22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

.....and more Kleenex please.   Only Luke is with me... the only one around at the very end... a true friend and faithful companion over so many years has been showing up.... likely peeking his head into the cold, stone pit where his friend sits chained. Some believe he may have even written this letter that Paul was sending Timothy.  Some think he may have been there at his public execution... that would be a sweet comfort to rest his eyes on the face of a dear friend... we don't know for sure.     

Paul's letter is packed with encouragement, instruction and information Timothy will need as he is passed the baton.  As dire as Paul's situation is, it is never the focus, but there are signs of his current state. Paul is pretty much alone still. 😔 Forsaken by many😞 (v16).   His body is cold🥶 (v13, 21).  He wants the books and parchments, God's very word to comfort his soul🤗.   We don't know if Timothy made it to Rome in time to see his 'father-in-the-faith' again.  I really hope so... but what a relationship they shared.  

God has delivered Paul from persecutions and desperate situations over and over.  He sustained him, strengthened him, stood by his side, and each time Paul 'got back up' and continued his gospel mission, regardless of the scars, the aches, the opposition and imprisonments (v17,18).  I wonder if Paul almost felt a sense of relief from all his battles....  to think that the next time he would 'get back up', he would likely be helped by the nail-scarred hand of His Lord, welcoming home His weary warrior who poured out every last drop .... as His Savior did for him.