Our devotion is by SIBUSISO ZUNGU who serves three congregations in Diepkloof.
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For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us to holy life -- not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. 2Timothy1:7-9
Paul reminds Timothy that his calling and salvation was planned by God before the beginning of time. He urges Timothy to have no fears and doubts about his calling, instead he is to cultivate a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline: 'power' to counter any appearance of weakness because of his age, 'love' to counter any undeserved criticism, and self-discipline so that the purity of his life will ultimately silence his critics.
In spite of it all, it is comforting to note that God has equipped Timothy for the mission to whom he has been called, and God's spirit will continue to equip him. This is the encouragement to everyone who feels inadequate for the mission God has given.
Paul makes Timothy to comprehend the fact that suffering is the integral part of ministry. As much as Paul suffered, also Timothy will suffer. Paul invites him to follow in his steps in proclaiming the gospel.
Timothy should not be fearful and in doubt because he is counting on the grace and mercy of God and is doing God's work, like we are or have been. Our calling and mission is dependent solely on the work of Christ, which was planned before the beginning of time, and manifested in his earthly life, death and resurrection.
Today as Christians we are privileged to be servants in the kingdom of the Most High God through the redemptive work of Christ Jesus on the cross. We are being reconciled with God while were His enemies due to sin, but today we are called to His service.
Beloved, our calling is costly. Paul emphasises this fact to encourage Timothy to fix his eyes on the Triune God, the One who called him for ministry. Yet the apostle Paul implicitly addresses the challenges facing every Christian, but God's grace is sufficient to carry us through as His children. Therefore we are not supposed to focus our energy on the tribulations that comes with this calling.
Beloved, we should keep in mind that Paul writes this epistle comforting Timothy while he was facing death in prison, but Paul did not allow his circumstances to determine his relationship with God. This what David said in Psalm 23:3-4 "Even though I walk in the shadow of the valley of death I will fear no evil? Thy rod and thy staff comfort me."
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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
