Tuesday 31 December 2019

Psalm: Psalm 96:11-13

Background

If you were going to write a letter to pass on to the next generation, what would you tell them? Encourage them that things will be OK or share some of the mistakes you made so they don’t do the same?  

2 Timothy is a letter a little like this from Paul to his young understudy. A man who has gone from Persecutor in Chief for the religious authorities to the apostle to the gentiles; who has travelled vast distances, been beaten and arrested and seen signs and wonders. Now he gets to pass on the most important insights and reflections he has to Timothy, who will continue this work.

In this short passage, Paul shares the simple truths that he wishes Timothy to hold on to:

• Don’t be ashamed of your story and the journey you have been on.
• Remember it is by grace you are saved.
• We know this because it is revealed in Jesus.

I wonder if Timothy read these words when life got hard, when things weren’t going to plan? I wonder if they encouraged him and reminded him of where he had come from and what he had been called to?

If you were going to write a letter to pass on to the next generation, what would you tell them?

To Ponder:

• What words of advice would you offer your younger self?
• Have a think about who your could share your story with, to help and encourage them on their journey.