May 30, 2020
“Make every effort to come to me soon; for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service…When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments.” II Timothy 4:9-10, 13
Paul realizes his life is coming to an end and he writes to Timothy because he knows that he will be a benefit to him. Paul then goes on to tell Timothy about all the people that have deserted him in his ministry. He is alone in his efforts except for Luke. Luke was his physician and companion in the ministry. He also tells Timothy to get Mark to come with him because he will be an asset to the ministry too. A little later Paul asks Timothy to bring his books and his cloak.
As we age our bodies fail to keep us warm like when we were younger, that’s probably why Paul wanted his cloak. Those dark, cold prison cells didn’t help his weakened condition. Paul’s books were Scripture. He teaches all of us here that we always need to be in God’s Word and not allow the things of this world draw us away from the Word to follow after worldly enticements. We can stay true to our convictions when we are constantly studying them on a daily basis. Paul wanted to be so Heavenly minded that he had no use for this world. He wanted to pass on those traits to Timothy as well. It’s always a good reminder to stay close to God and His word to keep us from forming attachments to this world and its offerings.
What a tribute to the last parts of our lives from Paul. We must stay close to God’s Word and true to its teachings.
We must never forget what we have learned from the beginning and to stay true to God for as long as we live. May we all be found faithful to Him until our last breath.
Grace to you all!
- Pray for People who are mentally hurting
- Pray for People dealing with cancer and illnesses
- Pray for People who are lost or out of God’s Will