When people know life is ending, their last words become significant. And so it is with Paul. 2 Timothy 4: 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
9 Timothy, please come as soon as you can. 10 Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers.[1]
Living with Hope
Even though Paul is suffering and knows he will be executed, he is looking forward to the prize of faith, eternal life with his Savior. He reminds Timothy and us that we, too, can do the same. The Apostle John says something similar. Revelation 2: 10 Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.[2]
Purposeful to the Last
Even though Paul is in prison and knows his time is short, he continues to do what he can to build the kingdom. He requested that Timothy bring Mark with him because he would be helpful in Paul’s ministry. Paul sent Tychicus to Ephesus. Why? Probably to hand carry the letter to Timothy and also to take Timothy’s place in leadership while Timothy traveled to see Paul.
Ministry of Presence
Imprisonment was a social stigma, and many had deserted Paul because they were ashamed that he was in prison. Only Luke, Paul’s companion on mission trips, is with Paul. How sad that the one who started churches and spread the Gospel is now almost alone. Paul asked Timothy to come soon and to bring his coat (the prison was probably cold and damp) and his books. Paul asked for simple things and Timothy’s presence.
Many people in our culture are not comfortable with death. They don’t know what to say to someone in hospice, so they don’t visit. We can see from 2 Timothy how lonely Paul was because people had deserted him. Sometimes, being with a person, the ministry of presence, not the words you say is valuable. Bring simple items that will bring comfort to the person as you visit. In his last words, Paul shows us what is significant at the end of life: friends and the hope of a future with Jesus. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/lead-faithfully
[1,2] Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.