On this sabbath day in thousands of settings, faithful Christ-followers take their places of leadership to teach, praise, preach, and pray. They have studied, prepared, and centered themselves in the presence of God’s Spirit in hopes that the people of God on this day might be led to worship with transforming sincerity. Hopefully, most who gather will participate with enthusiasm and abandon. But some will be distracted and some will only look on or sit with arms folded across their chests, judging all that happens before them.
As Paul concludes this letter to Timothy, his words come from the depths of his spiritual journey with the Lord. He is well-acquainted with onlookers, doubters, detractors, and self-appointed judges. Living boldly as a disciple of Jesus is daunting in our secular and humanistic culture. Many around us look with a wary eye on our devotion to Jesus, our radical commitment to the way of the cross. But Paul cheers us forward: be persistent, proclaim the message. In these closing words, Paul reminds us that God’s loyalty to us and our loyalty as messengers are intertwined. Our task as leaders comes in our faithfulness to the God who stands beside us, in our willingness to be servant voices to the truth of God’s message.
As we hold God’s word in our hands this day, may we be filled with gratitude for this gift and both humble and patient as we teach it and preach it. It will take our whole lifetime to receive the blessing God intends for us. How audacious that God would entrust this powerful message to us! With grateful hearts we embrace it and with glory to God forever and ever we tirelessly proclaim it.