We see Paul end this letter to Timothy with someone he does at the end of nearly every letter he writes – he thanks people. I sometimes call it his shoutouts. Romans 16 is my favorite example of this. But what he is doing is greeting and giving thanks to all the people who make his ministry possible. It is a reminder we walk together. We need each other. We do not walk alone. Today, I need you. You need me. We need each other. Paul reminds us of that truth today. We need each other.

Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he’ll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God’s Word.

If you’d like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up.

Click on the image above or this link to watch today’s video.

You can read today’s passage here.

You can podcast this reflection here. You can subscribe through Spotify or Apple Podcasts as well.

Or, if you’d like to read the transcript of the video, keep reading!

Good morning! It’s wonderful to be with you on this Tuesday morning. Surprise! I mentioned yesterday that our schedule might be a bit erratic this week, but I’ve managed to sort it out now. So, I’ll be here all week, and we’ll continue as usual. However, there might be some sporadic episodes next week. I’m Andy Stoddard, the Lead Pastor at St. Matthew United Methodist Church. Today, we’ll be concluding our exploration of the book of Timothy, delving into Chapter 4, verses 9 through 22. Tomorrow, we’ll embark on Titus, followed by Philemon, thus wrapping up this segment of Paul’s pastoral letters. After that, we’ll dive back into the Old Testament. If you have any preferences for which Old Testament book to explore next, feel free to share your thoughts with me via comments, email, or text. I’d love to hear your feedback.

Let’s dive into today’s reading, Chapter 4, verses 9 through 22:

“Do your best to come to me soon, for Demas, in love with his present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful in my ministry. I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and also the books, and above all the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will pay him back for his deeds. You also must beware of him, for he has strongly opposed our message. At my first defense, no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers. The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.”

I always appreciate the way Paul concludes his letters. It’s almost as if he’s saying, “Hey, let’s get personal!” In my Bible, this section is listed as “Personal Instructions and Final Greetings of Benediction.” Paul essentially does a roll call and expresses gratitude to various individuals. It’s heartwarming.

In verses 9 to 13, Paul demonstrates a deep sense of community and reliance on others. He mentions individuals who have left or deserted him, emphasizing the need for companionship and support in our Christian journey. Even the great apostle Paul needed others around him, underscoring that the Christian life isn’t meant to be solitary. While solitude has its place for reflection and prayer, we also require companionship for encouragement and assistance.

Paul’s request for Timothy to bring his cloak, books, and parchments highlights the intimacy of their relationship. It’s akin to a child asking a parent for assistance or a favor. This underscores the importance of trust and reliance on those closest to us.

Reflecting on Paul’s relational dynamics prompts us to consider our own support networks. Who are the individuals we trust implicitly, like Paul trusted Timothy? Who can we rely on in times of need?

Moreover, Paul’s acknowledgment of human frailty and forgiveness in verse 16 is profound. Despite feeling abandoned, he extends grace and understanding, praying that their actions won’t be held against them. It’s a poignant reminder to be gracious and empathetic towards others, recognizing our own vulnerabilities.

As we navigate life’s journey, let’s seek out and cherish our support systems. If you lack such a community, strive to cultivate one. Whether through church groups, small gatherings, or close friendships, we’re meant to walk alongside one another, not alone.

Today, let’s embrace the interconnectedness of our faith journey and extend grace to those around us. Together, we can weather life’s storms and celebrate its joys. Thank you for joining me as we conclude 2nd Timothy today. Tomorrow, we’ll begin our exploration of Titus. Have a fantastic day, and I’ll see you tomorrow!