February 6, 2023

2 Timothy 1:1-7 (HCSB)
Greeting 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, for the promise of life in Christ Jesus: 2 To Timothy, my dearly loved son. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Thanksgiving 3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. 4 Remembering your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy, 5 clearly recalling your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois, then in your mother Eunice, and that I am convinced is in you also. 6 Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.

Andy Nash
In today’s reading we move into the book of 2 Timothy which contains the last recorded words written by the Apostle Paul. The word apostle comes from the Greek word Apostolos which means “one who is sent out” just like Paul was sent out on three missionary journeys proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ. Paul, the mentor, writes these final words to Timothy, the mentee, while referencing Christ Jesus and God the Father so many times by verse three, that we have no doubt Paul’s purpose of this letter is to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and to encourage Timothy. Paul loves Timothy like a son and is moved to tears as he constantly thinks of him and prays for him. I have to give Paul credit for being so transparent in this letter. He is very specific and actually tells Timothy all of the emotions he has for him and their relationship. Have you ever had a close relationship as a mentor or as a mentee? Somewhere in our past we have all experienced that type of meaningful relationship. Today, we should all follow the example set by Paul and write a personal, transparent, and encouraging letter to that person who has made a difference in our life!