Re: Kindling

Linda Pollock May 15, 2021 0 1

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2 Timothy 1: 6-13 (NRSVA)

6 For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; 7 for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.

8 Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, 12 and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him. 13 Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

I’ve lost count of how many people I’ve known who no longer follow Jesus. Most of them didn’t stop one day and intentionally choose to end their relationship with Christ Jesus; it happened slowly, over a period of time, they simply got bored or tired or had other things grabbing their attention.

Today’s Scripture reminds us that even the ‘superstar’ followers of Jesus need encouragement and a nudge to return to our True Love. For whatever reason, Timothy needed to be reminded of his identity, reminded of the spirit that lived within him, namely, power, love, and self-discipline.

Boredom, over-work for the Kingdom, loss of focus, bad times – whatever circumstances we find ourselves in it’s important to remember that we have been entrusted with good treasure that must be guarded, and that requires effort, but we will be empowered to take care of the treasure by the Holy Spirit.

Perhaps we need to look at our lives and imagine what they would like without the many meetings we must attend, without the volunteering we must offer, without the busyness of our lives. For how are we going to have the time to guard the treasure entrusted to us if we never stand still?

PRAYER:

O God of stillness, help us to be aware of Your Holy Spirit dwelling within us, encouraging us, guiding us, affirming us, challenging us. Help us to see this good treasure Who walks before us, behind us, beside us and Who lives within us. Amen.