Friday 17 July 2015
“You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well.” (vv. 1-2)
Psalm: Psalm 44:1-8
Background
In today's reading the author appears to get himself in a bit ofa muddle. In three successive verses we have three differentmetaphors - the soldier, the athlete and the farmer - each one withan apparently separate meaning. It's all a bit 'scattergun', amishmash of important advice and sayings and knowledge - allsignificant, all to be passed on for the enlightenment ofothers.
Perhaps the author realises he's not being totally clear as hesays, "Think over what I say for the Lord will give youunderstanding in all things" (v. 7). How much would I love the Lordto 'give me understanding in all things'?!
I have no doubt that this passage contains all manner of wisdomfor those who would seek it, but for me one key theme stands out:pass it on. As the reading begins, Timothy is charged to pass onwhat he has learned about God on to others, who will in turn passon what they learn.
Faith is a community affair, and we each have responsibility forsharing our particular knowledge, wisdom and experience with oneanother. But that also requires us to be willing to learn fromothers - to be open to different perspectives and allow ourselvesto be challenged by the wonderful diversity of God'sfamily.
Christianity can never be a truly solitary experience - we aredesigned for community and it is in communities of faith, bothlarge and small, that we can grow and flourish. Jesus is not merely'my Jesus, my saviour,' but 'our Jesus, our saviour.'
To Ponder
- What's the one thing that stands out for you most in today'spassage?
- What knowledge or experience from your Christian walk would youlike to pass on to others?