Thursday 18 October 2018

Psalm: Psalm 145

Background

This part of Paul’s second letter to Timothy becomes much more personal that what has gone before. Previously in his writing, Paul has been giving advice and instructions to Timothy to pass on to the Church in Ephesus where it seems that he was based at that time. Now, however, it is a much more vulnerable Paul who writes to his friend asking, almost pleading, for him to come and visit using the words “do your best to join me soon”. It is clear that Paul is getting concerned that he is becoming isolated with only Luke for company; the others who had been part of his group have dispersed elsewhere. In his vulnerability, he writes (v. 6) “as for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” We cannot tell whether he is speaking about some physical illness that he fears will lead to his death, but he clearly is seeking to have some friends around him. It is not only Timothy he wishes to see but also Mark, and he is asking for things of his that perhaps had been looked after by friends during the time when he was imprisoned. And it is to his imprisonment that he returns in verse 16 when he speaks about being deserted by people who could have spoken up for him. He reminds Timothy, however, that even at that time the Lord did not desert him, and he is expecting to be rescued from whatever is happening to him at the time of writing. The verses end with a thanksgiving to God and giving him the glory forever and ever.

To Ponder

• The hymn suggested for this day is Singing the Faith 664, which speaks about the way in which our lives are always changing. In what ways have you had to hang on in there like Paul when the dark times have come?
• At what times in your life have you longed for someone who knew you well to come and be your companion as you faced up to the difficulties?
• Have there been situations where felt deserted by your Christian friends during hard times? How did that make you feel?