2 Timothy 2:8-15
8 Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. 9 And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. 10 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.
11 This is a trustworthy saying:
If we die with him,
we will also live with him.
12 If we endure hardship,
we will reign with him.
If we deny him,
he will deny us.
13 If we are unfaithful,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny who he is.
14 Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.
15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
This morning’s reading reminds me of the one about a few old couples who used to get together every so often to talk about life and have a good time. At one of the gatherings, one of the men, Harry, started talking about this fantastic restaurant he went to the other night with his wife. “Oh yeah?” said one of the men, “What’s it called?” After thinking for a few seconds, Harry responded, “Ya know, that’s a good question. Say, what are those good smelling flowers called again?” “Do you mean a rose?” the other man questioned. “Yes, that’s it!” he exclaimed. Looking over at his wife, he said, “Rose, what’s the name of that restaurant we went to the other night?”
Well, it’s one thing to forget the name of a restaurant you go to infrequently, it’s a whole another thing when you can’t remember the name of your spouse! Ole boy might consider seeking some serious help for his memory issues! Not that it’s really a laughing matter. I am terrified to think of the possibility that my memory could get that bad at some point in the future. I cherish both my memories and my mind’s ability to make sense of the world around me. I would hate to live in a mental fog from day to day, utterly dependent on others to take care of my bodily needs. I suppose many of us have similar hatred and fear. The mind is a precious gift from God! It helps us live a good, safe life with deeper meaning. It is constantly evolving and growing as the years go by. Sure, it can get bogged down at times with bad memories or difficult situations, but those times are really only temporary. No, a healthy mind is one of God’s greatest gifts!
We’re continuing along with Paul in his 2nd letter to his friend and colleague, Timothy, and he called on him to use his mind and remember God’s great gift of Jesus Christ. Timothy, like many of us, had allowed his life and ministry to get bogged down. He was beginning to lose sight of the gift of our resurrected Jesus, not just his teachings and way of living. Indeed, following Jesus and living a Christ-centered life can present a whole lotta difficulties in this world of ours. That’s because this world doesn’t want us to look out for each other. Heck, this world doesn’t want us to look out for ourselves! I mean, not really. This world couldn’t care less about us. We’re just using up its resources, upsetting its delicate balance between all living and non-living things. From the world’s perspective, we’ve become a problem and the sooner we either cleaned up our act or simply moved on or annihilated ourselves the better. But if we’re going to clean up our act, if we’re get to fit ourselves in the balance of all things once again, then we’re going to need the wisdom and guidance of Jesus. ALL OF US are going to have to follow Jesus and live Christ-centered lives. And guess what? If we all did it, then the difficulties of living in this world would simply disappear. I have complete faith in this! But we all have to commit to following Jesus and living Christ-centered lives.
Now then, until we get to that glorious time when Christ’s reign will be supreme, us followers will endure difficult times in this world. And that’s ok! Because this world isn’t the only world that exists. Jesus showed us there is a world where he exists, a world without death and sorrow, pain and despair. A world where he is in charge and all things behave according to love. Friends, this is what Jesus revealed to us through his resurrection! Yes, following Jesus will be difficult for the time being but it’s only a matter of time before his kingdom will reign supreme in this world. It’s only a matter of time before love has a stronghold in this world, not sin. We can trust in this, put our faith in it! Christ will reign supreme one fine day!
We will endure difficulties, but we’ve caught a glimpse of his kingdom coming. I especially appreciate Paul’s reminders of some of the qualities of Christ’s kingdom in his letter to Timothy. “If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him.” Friends, Christ’s kingdom is revealing itself day by day, month by month, year by year. When we doubt this, we must simply remember Paul’s words of encouragement and assurance. We must simply remember all the ways God’s kingdom has already been revealed to us. The prophet Isaiah proclaimed, “Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me.” (46:9) God gave us these big, beautiful minds to not only make sense of his creation but also to remember his gracious salvation along the way. David helps us with this through his many psalms. In Psalm 77, he sings, “But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.” (vs. 11) And again, in Psalm 143 he sings, “I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done.” (vs. 5) If David can remember amidst such a tumultuous life, then surely you and I can too!
Paul’s words to Timothy encouraged him, and us, to be hopeful of Christ’s kingdom coming. If that means simply remembering God’s salvation, then so be it. Until his kingdom is fully revealed, we can expect hardships along the way but never without hope. The resurrection revealed Christ’s power over life and death, but his kingdom has yet to be fully revealed. Let us live hopefully and assured. And let us give thanks! Thanks be to God!
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
