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2 Timothy 2:8-10
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
New International Version (NIV)
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Tonto should have never gone to town! Remember in the old western classic, The Lone Ranger, that occasionally his good friend Tonto would go to town? Every time Tonto went to town there was trouble. Even as a young child I became nervous when Tonto headed to town. Thankfully, in the end, the Lone Ranger came to the rescue for his friend.
Paul had a similar story. He arrived at a new town, preached the gospel and found himself in trouble. Have you ever wondered why Paul endured so much suffering for the gospel? He was under arrest when he wrote this letter. Why did they nearly stone him to death?
What was it about the gospel that caused so much consternation? Were people offended that he was telling them how to get to heaven? Paul might never have been arrested if his gospel was just telling people how to get to heaven. The problem was, Paul’s gospel insisted that heaven had come down and that Jesus Christ is Lord. This did not play well in Imperial Rome!
Now Paul invites Timothy to join him in the suffering (2:3). When we suffer, our hope is in the gospel story itself. Not only did Jesus die for sins, but he rose again. When all hope seemed lost, he snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Even though the “heralds” of the gospel can be locked up, the Word of God cannot. Spurgeon wrote, “It is not possible that the omnipotent Word can be bound.” Paul suffered as his Master did, so that people might be saved. A new song, “So Will I,” puts it this way, “If You suffered to save them, so will I, like you would again a hundred billion times.”
Preach the gospel at all times. Use words. But don’t just tell people how to get to heaven. Tell them at any cost to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This message alone will save them (Romans 10:9-10). It may also lead to suffering. But if we preach the true gospel and we suffer for it, we are joining with the only One who can save. He will come to the rescue!
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Pray with me:
Father, we need news from another network. Thank you for the good news of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. If we suffer today, let us look to the risen Christ who for the joy set before him, endured the cross and scorned its shame. Come to our rescue Savior. You are our only hope! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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| This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story. With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
Joyfully,
Duane
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