2 Timothy 2:8-15

Remember Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead and descended from David. This is my good news. This is the reason I’m suffering to the point that I’m in prison like a common criminal. But God’s word cannot be imprisoned. This is why I endure everything for the sake of those who are chosen by God so that they too may experience salvation in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. This saying is reliable:

“If we have died together, we will also live together.
        If we endure, we will also rule together.
        If we deny him, he will also deny us.
If we are disloyal, he stays faithful”
    because he can’t be anything else than what he is.

Remind them of these things and warn them in the sight of God not to engage in battles over words that aren’t helpful and only destroy those who hear them. Make an effort to present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker, who doesn’t need to be ashamed but is one who interprets the message of truth correctly.

Our passage begins with an affirmation that is much needed in our world today. Remember Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead and descended from David. This is my good news. (v8) The good news of Jesus Christ far outweighs anything that we hear – normally.  One look at the evening news – or reading the paper – or listening to others talk – it seems that the statements we hear fit more into the “if only” phases of life, than they do in the good news about Jesus Christ and what communities of faith are doing.   

Our “if” statements are the same today: 

• If we have died together as faithful followers of Christ, we will also live together. 
• If only we endure the current moments of obstacles, we will rule together in the Kingdom to come.   
• If only we endure the current moments of obstacles, we can rule together now in the Kingdom. 
• If we deny Christ – if we go on having other gods rule our lives if we pledge allegiance to the “if only” ways and rules of life – He will deny us. 
• If only we will abide in Christ, He will abide in us. 
• In our loyalty, He is faithful. 

Paul is reminding Timothy, as the passage also reminds us, in v. 15 make an effort to present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker, who doesn’t need to be ashamed but is one who interprets the message of truth correctly.  We are being reminded to do our very best – be assured of the sustaining presence of Christ, even in the midst of hardships and trials.  Even in the “if only” of life – the sustaining grace of Christ is present in us and with us.

--Rev. Hollie Tapley, disaster response coordinator
htapley@greatplainsumc.org

Prayer for Reflection