Everyday Disappointments

Oct. 15

Read: 2Tim 4:9-22

Everyday Disappointments

“Do your best to come to me soon. For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me…” (v.9)

The ending of Paul’s letter to Timothy is raw… it is “real”… it seems so “nitty-gritty” and yet so much like regular life! When you stop to think about it, we deal with these same things on a regular basis: loss of friendship and abandonment, betrayal, lending and receiving material goods, loneliness, and miraculous rescue and strength. This closing passage gives us a glimpse into normal life and how to respond. Here are a few quick notes:

1.) Friends - even partners in ministry - will leave us when they become “in love with this present world”

It is hard to watch your close friends, over time, drift and become ensnared by the things of this world… but it can happen. It is not that Paul seems to harbor bitterness to Demas, but he is sad at the loss. In this moment, he shares with Timothy his pain and asks for him to come and visit. In stead of sulking in his “abandonment” he honestly shares and reaches out to those around him… specifically Timothy. It would be easy to become bitter and withdraw - but this is not healthy or good. We must fight the urge to isolate and continue to reach out and seek Christian community - even if we have been let down before.

2.) Finish well…

“When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments” (v.13) Paul is at the very end of his life, and yet he is still longing for his parchments and books that he may write, study, and proclaim the word. Until the very end he is working hard. Paul is finishing well… not coasting or giving up. He even asks for his cloak back as well. This is like an elderly person asking for their sweater… it is yet another sign of his vulnerability. When we are tempted to coast… may we be inspired by this example. Let us commit to being life long learners of the Word of God.

3.) Be shrewd about those around you…

“Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message.” (v.14,15) Alexander betrayed Paul and “backstabbed” him in a way. I do not think Paul is harboring unforgiveness, but rather he is tell Timothy to be cautious. The people of God need not be naive simply because we are loving, merciful, and forgiving. It is not “unChristian” to “beware” (be wary) of a person who has betrayed another and opposed the gospel of Christ. The most important point is that Paul knows “the Lord will repay him according to his deeds”. Paul is not seeking vengeance, nonetheless Timothy should be wary.

4.) Forgive those who have abandoned you and you will experience the powerful presence and strength of the Lord standing with you!

“At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me…” (v.16,17) There is a difference between “strong opposition” and standard disappointment and abandonment. Look at Paul’s instruction to Timothy regarding those who “deserted” him at his trial: “may it not be charged against them.” Paul forgives them and understands the fear surrounding staying by his side while he faced trial and death. It is odd, but he does not tell Timothy to be “wary” of these other guys, but rather to not hold it against them. Look at what happened because of their deserting Paul: he experienced the supernatural presence and strength of Christ with him in a unique way! These moments of fear, doubt, loneliness, and abandonment become moments when we experience the ever-faithful presence and power of Christ with us.

These “everyday disappointments” are common to ALL of God's people… even Paul. When we face them we respond with transparency and honesty to those around us, we do not quit or give up our work but seek to finish well, we are cautious moving forward with those we need to be cautious with, we are forgiving to all - “not counting it against them”, and looking to the indwelling presence of Christ in us to strengthen and encourage us. In this way, “The Lord will rescue (us) from every evil deed and bring (us) safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” (v.18) Christian community and ministry may not always be easy, but the Lord will see us through it and is drawing us together as his people for HIS Kingdom. Love you guys. - JDP