2 Timothy 4 Devotional

Never Truly Deserted

“But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.”2 Timothy 4:17 (BSB)

In 2 Timothy 4 Paul knows his life is nearly over. He charges Timothy, before God and Christ Jesus, the coming Judge of all, to proclaim God's word whether the moment seems right or not (4:1-2). Looking back, he has fought well, run his course to the end, and stayed true to the faith, and a crown of righteousness awaits him from the Lord, the righteous Judge. The same crown awaits all who long for Christ's appearing (4:7-8).

The closing lines are honest about loss. Demas has deserted him, only Luke remains, and at his first defense no one stood with him (4:10-11, 16). Yet Paul asks that it not be held against them. The Lord was at his side and gave him strength, so that the message would be fully proclaimed (4:17). Paul is confident that the Lord will keep rescuing him and will carry him safely into his heavenly kingdom (4:18). When others leave, the Lord does not, and you can run your own unfinished race with that same confidence.

To think about: When you have felt alone or let down by others, where have you seen the Lord stand with you?