February 3
"When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments... At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever...Do your best to come before winter." -Paul in 2 Timothy 4:13-21 (NRSV)
Have you ever been in a situation where you were forced to leave your possessions behind? This seems to be the situation with Paul when he was arrested for preaching the Good News of Christ. Paul asks Timothy in his 2nd letter to him in today's text to bring some of his most valued belongings including his books and winter coat or cloak. Evidently Paul's arrest had occurred so suddenly he hadn't been allowed to take any personal belongings. Because he was now a prisoner in a dark, damp, cold dungeon, Paul urgently asked Timothy to bring him his coat before winter. Yet even more than the coat, Paul wanted his books and papers "above all" called "parchments". These probably included the Old Testament, Gospels, his own letters, and other vital documents. Paul was a noted scholar and revered God's word. We can't imagine what it must have been like for him to be without his sacred books.
With his teacher in prison and his church in turmoil, Timothy was probably frightened. Paul may have been telling Timothy in his last letter to him that the Lord had called him to minister and would give the courage to continue on. Are you struggling with fear or discouragement today? If so, remember God always gives us the strength to do what he has asked us to do. Yet this strength may not be evident until we step out in faith and actually do a divinely directed mission. Yet just as he strengthened Paul and Timothy, he will strengthen you! Don't fear! God will provide!
Prayer: God, Grant me strength to always be faithful. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: God's provision is greater than prison.
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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