The urgency of the appeal can be felt even today, these many years later - "Make every effort to come to me soon ... Make every effort to come before winter." (2 Timothy 4:9,21).
An elderly, lonely man urgently requests the companionship of a special friend in the winter of his life, both figuratively and literally. Not only is the cold winter season approaching; so also is the end of his life - "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come." (2 Timothy 4:6) This man's days are numbered, and thus the urgent appeal to see a dear friend while there is yet time.
Hunkered down in a small, damp prison cell, the elderly apostle Paul has been deserted by all but one of his traveling companions (verses 10-11), and is feeling the effects of the approach of winter. He longs for a warm winter coat, and the encouragement of some of his valued writings (verse 13). These parchments may well have been that which comprises a major portion of the New Testament of our Bibles.
As well as the effects of desertion and the cold, Paul is feeling the sting of fierce opposition from one he thought was close to him; a man named Alexander, a coppersmith (verses 14-15). In the midst of this man's opposition, Paul's traveling companions turned tail and ran away (verse 16); not unlike Jesus' disciples in the hour of his testing.
So, we see the faithful servant, Paul, near the end of his life; lonely, cold, and opposed. This mighty man of faith and truth seems dejected in his dismal circumstances. And yet, the flicker of faith is still very much in evidence - "in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing." (verse 8). His hope was that "The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will save me for His heavenly kingdom." (verse 18). He looked, not for release and reward in death, but rather to a future day and time when he would be simultaneously rewarded with all who loved the appearing of the Lord Jesus.
Perhaps this is a winter season in your life, not unlike Paul. Loneliness, desertion, and opposition may very well characterize your present experience, and a cold that no coat can warm may permeate. The remedy is the same as what Paul sought: companionship, physical warmth, the comfort of "the parchments" (Scripture), and reminders of hope. These things provide solace in the darkest hours.
The writer who reminded us to "rejoice always" (Philippians 4:4) is still rejoicing, even in dismal circumstances near the end of his life. He has fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith (verse 7). His confidence is in future reward. May we find the same comfort and encouragement, regardless of our circumstances.
Steve
© 2010, Steve Taylor
An elderly, lonely man urgently requests the companionship of a special friend in the winter of his life, both figuratively and literally. Not only is the cold winter season approaching; so also is the end of his life - "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come." (2 Timothy 4:6) This man's days are numbered, and thus the urgent appeal to see a dear friend while there is yet time.
Hunkered down in a small, damp prison cell, the elderly apostle Paul has been deserted by all but one of his traveling companions (verses 10-11), and is feeling the effects of the approach of winter. He longs for a warm winter coat, and the encouragement of some of his valued writings (verse 13). These parchments may well have been that which comprises a major portion of the New Testament of our Bibles.
As well as the effects of desertion and the cold, Paul is feeling the sting of fierce opposition from one he thought was close to him; a man named Alexander, a coppersmith (verses 14-15). In the midst of this man's opposition, Paul's traveling companions turned tail and ran away (verse 16); not unlike Jesus' disciples in the hour of his testing.
So, we see the faithful servant, Paul, near the end of his life; lonely, cold, and opposed. This mighty man of faith and truth seems dejected in his dismal circumstances. And yet, the flicker of faith is still very much in evidence - "in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing." (verse 8). His hope was that "The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will save me for His heavenly kingdom." (verse 18). He looked, not for release and reward in death, but rather to a future day and time when he would be simultaneously rewarded with all who loved the appearing of the Lord Jesus.
Perhaps this is a winter season in your life, not unlike Paul. Loneliness, desertion, and opposition may very well characterize your present experience, and a cold that no coat can warm may permeate. The remedy is the same as what Paul sought: companionship, physical warmth, the comfort of "the parchments" (Scripture), and reminders of hope. These things provide solace in the darkest hours.
The writer who reminded us to "rejoice always" (Philippians 4:4) is still rejoicing, even in dismal circumstances near the end of his life. He has fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith (verse 7). His confidence is in future reward. May we find the same comfort and encouragement, regardless of our circumstances.
Steve
© 2010, Steve Taylor
posted by steve @ 8:08 AM
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