Thursday, October 25

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018


"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage -- with great patience and careful instruction." (2 Timothy 4:2)


This fourth chapter of 2 Timothy represents the last words of Paul recorded in the Scriptures. The chapter communicates an urgency -- "Do your best to come to me quickly" -- and a finality -- "for I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure." (vv. 9, 6) Paul recognizes that his earthly time has neared its conclusion, and he is eager for Timothy to carry forth the mission and to encourage him with a visit.

Early American pastor and theologian Jonathan Edwards, born in Enfield in 1703, prepared a series of "Resolutions" as a young man, which guided his spiritual practice throughout his life. He recognized early on the great value in that redeeming time and living in earnest devotion to God. Two of his resolutions lie below:

(5) Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

(7) Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.


How do we measure up to this sense of urgency? Do we approach time as a precious currency? Do we choose to invest our lives or to spend them aimlessly?

May we live faithfully and with urgency, realizing that our opportunities are not limitless. Echoing Moses's prayer in Psalm 90:12: God, "teach us to number our days,/ that we may gain a heart of wisdom.


Lord God, thank You for the tremendous example of the apostle Paul and his discipleship relationship with Timothy. Help us to number our days properly and to live with appropriate urgency. Give us opportunities to bless others and to pass along what You have poured into our lives. In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.


"Life Means So Much" by Chris Rice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXardqLLI_M


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