Be Watchful & Endure

The Apostle Paul was now old and imprisoned in Rome for the second time. He was aware that he would likely be put to death very soon and his heart was focused on training young Timothy for serving the Lord. He wrote to him a warning…

“For the time will come when people will not endure sound doctrine. Instead to suit their own desires, they will gather to themselves a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the Truth and chase after myths. But as for you, be WATCHFUL in all things, ENDURE afflictions, do the work of an EVANGELIST, discharge all the duties of your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:3-5).

There is a passing of the baton in ministry that is essential. It is said that the most important work a minister can do is to prepare the next generation to carry on the work. Paul did this well. He didn’t sugar-coat the weight of this work, nor did he make light of the price that would have to be paid. His body and soul were both war-weary, “poured out like a drink offering” and eager to go Home.

But he told Timothy about the prize that awaits…  “Now there is laid up for me the Crown of Righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will award me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).

Are you weary of this world? Do you long for His appearing? Are you ready for death to be swallowed up in Life, and for Perfect Justice to rule and reign over this earth? Then let’s endure patiently, and finish our work well, while we earnestly watch for His return. Paul stated that while he endured… “The Lord stood by me and gave me strength…” (2 Timothy 4:17).

He will do the same for us.

(Devotional by Cheryl Hall-Laos)