“A running mate par excellence”
By Rev. Michale
Meditation – Sunday, October 23, 2022
2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18 (Forward, p. 86) CEV p. 1252
Whether it is in politics, athletics, industry, business or any other line of endeavour, it is always good to know that you have, there at your side, a known and trusted running mate. Someone who knows you and your wishes, knows your agenda and plans, agrees with them and supports you and assists you in carrying them out. Someone who has ‘got your back’ when the going gets tough.
While it is good to have a human helper like that, it is good to know that we have someone even more available and even more trustworthy. It is the Lord Jesus Christ. That is who the apostle Paul is referring to in today’s passage from his letter to his friend and co-worker Timothy. He is about to die, but nevertheless can say that the Lord has stood beside him and has given him the strength he needed to be able to proclaim the good news of the Gospel. Furthermore, Jesus has kept him safe through all these trials and tribulations. And, he is confident that even though he is about to die, the Lord will bring him safely into His heavenly kingdom. He is confident in all this because he has relied upon the Lord, and trusted in Him, all through his apostolic career and has found Him to be eminently faithful and trustworthy. God, in Christ Jesus, has ‘stood the test.’ He has been the best running mate anyone could ever have, the running mate par excellence. And, as it was for Paul, so can it be for each of us. Amen.
Forward notes: “But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it (verse 17a).
“I am always inspired by the stories of everyday people who live lives committed to creating something better than what was there when they were born. Finding one’s way in the world of relationships, work, housing, safety, and now, the constant threat of climate change is a huge challenge for us all. Faith certainly undergirds the journey for many, and we’re assured of the Lord standing with us and giving us strength to continue leading lives which, while not perfect, may be an example to others. What of those without that faith? Who stands by them?
“Again, reading about the lives of neighbours near and far, I’m convinced that our Lord is in all places at all times, and this love and presence make running the race just a bit easier for all.”
MOVING FORWARD: ‘Pick one of the saints this month (listed at the top of some daily meditations [in the Forward Day by Day devotional booklet]) and research their lives. While their deeds may seem extraordinary, they were also ordinary people, living and breathing and navigating the challenges of life, just like each of us.