Belonging

Linda Pollock October 28, 2022 0 0

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2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 16-18 (NRSVA)

6 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

16 At my first defence no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

In my life there have been times when I felt like Paul, alone, worse still I have felt abandoned by people who should have stayed with me. It is a very difficult place to dwell, it hurts, it causes self-doubt, and when others refuse to acknowledge our existence or treat us with contempt by their absence, it can feel humiliating. It is easier to remain in this ‘pity party’ than to call to mind that we are never alone, never abandoned, never a source of contempt in God’s economy. I know it’s easy to say these things, but living in that wilderness is part of our calling in Christ Jesus. Don’t be afraid, the heavenly host of angels is rallying around us, the communion of saints is cheering us on, and the Body of Christ cannot sever us like a gangrenous limb. The Lord is standing by us just as He stood by Paul through shipwreck, imprisonment, beatings, and court appearances. This same God is with us today and always. Look around you today and pay attention to others… you may be someone’s Timothy offering solace and support. If you feel like you are deserted, in the mouth of the lion, remember that you belong to God, and He will never leave you.

PRAYER:

Faithful God, thank You that I belong to You, to the heavenly host, to the communion of saints and to the Body of Christ. Help me grasp this truth, to live this truth and, in so doing, to share that truth with others humbly, generously. For the sake of Christ, our Lord. Amen.