2 Timothy 1:12 (English Standard Version)
12which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.
It was 18 years ago last month that my father passed away. It was good to reflect on his role in my life. There are few people who have had as much of a positive impact on me as my dad. I trusted him. If I was in danger, I looked to him. If I had questions, I could ask him. If he was around...things were cool. I had no worries. I trusted him. Do you know why? Because I knew him. I had spent time with him, watched him, talked with him, journeyed with him. I knew him.
I wonder if the reason we struggle in our journey with Jesus might be because we don't really know him.
Paul is clear, the reason he does not struggle, (which by the way, if we look at verse 8, means a willingness to suffer...as in really suffering!), is because he knows him. He has seen Jesus. He has journeyed with Jesus. He has been forced to trust Jesus. He knows Him!! In knowing Him, he has become convinced that He is able...He is convinced that He is powerful. I wonder if the reason I struggle to believe that Christ is all powerful is because I rarely find myself in a position where I need His power? I play it pretty safe. He understands that Christ is powerful to guard either the gospel, in the sense that it will stand and not be found wanting, or Paul, as in He will guard Paul and keep him to the day of salvation. ESV would suggest the gospel, other versions would suggest Paul. Either will do. He will guard us.
I am convicted. I must take the time to know my Jesus. I need to see Him, so that I will trust Him. Open my eyes Lord.
1 comment:
thanks for this Sid,
Such a true reminder of the need to KNOW the one who we follow. It is hard to trust someone who we do not know, more so who we do not LOVE. and that love can not develop without spending time getting to know one God.
It is like that classic trust fall, where you stand on a ledge and fall backwards into the arms of people who are ready to catch you. I know for myself i would take someone I know and love to catch me over a group of strangers any day!
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