When all seems lost – he is with us
Norah Summers
October 13, 2022
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2 Timothy 2: 8-25 (NRSVA)
8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David—that is my gospel, 9 for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 11 The saying is sure:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he will also deny us;
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—
for he cannot deny himself.14 Remind them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth. 16 Avoid profane chatter, for it will lead people into more and more impiety, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth by claiming that the resurrection has already taken place. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his’, and, ‘Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness.’
20 In a large house there are utensils not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for special use, some for ordinary. 21 All who cleanse themselves of the things I have mentioned will become special utensils, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house, ready for every good work. 22 Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, 25 correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth,
Many years ago, at a time of great sorrow, I was upheld, almost literally, by the words ‘Underneath are the everlasting arms’ (Deuteronomy 33: 27) and they have sustained me in many lesser troubles since.
Words are powerful. They can do much good, but also dreadful damage if they are misused. Paul warns Timothy of the dangers, and urges him to be careful.
The verse which really struck me in this passage is verse 9. Paul is in chains because he has been preaching the word of God, but ‘God’s word is not in chains’ —
What cause for gratitude!
PRAYER:
Loving God,
Thank you for your word,
which we receive through Scripture,
through the prophets and saints,
through preachers and teachers,
through the people we meet day by day,
through the unlikeliest of means.
No matter how burdened we are
by cares and troubles,
doubts and fears,
your word is free,
unchained,
available,
there for us when we need it.
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