February 27 - Paul & Timothy

February 27 - Paul & Timothy

Paul had just been through an argument with Barnabas. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, Paul took Silas and headed through Syria and Cilicia.

Isn't it wonderful how the Lord brings people together? Paul and Silas ended up in Lystra where they met a young disciple named Timothy. Because his father was Greek, he had not yet been circumcised. But Paul saw something in this young man and after getting the business dealt with (circumcision - ouch!), Timothy joined him on his journey. Other members of the church spoke highly of Timothy as well, thus began an amazing relationship (Acts 16:1-3).

Timothy learned a lot at the side of his mentor. This relationship had to have been incredibly amazing. They experienced the things of God in wonderful ways. Paul laid hands on Timothy (2 Timothy 1:6). He reminded Timothy of this in his second letter which goes on to say, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." (2 Tim. 1:7).

Whether or not it happened at that point, prophecies were spoken of Timothy. 1 Timothy 1:18 says "Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience."

In 1 Timothy 4:14, Paul is encouraging Timothy in his ministry and says, "Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you."

I know from experience that a relationship which includes moments and experiences like these is held together in a powerful way.

By the time Paul is facing the end of his life, he writes a last letter to Timothy. He calls him his 'dear' son (2 Timothy 1:2). The first few verses of this letter are so filled with love, it's heartwrenching. Though this letter is filled with instruction and teaching, Paul also reflects a personal side. 2 Timothy 4:9-13, "Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments." And then, in 2 Tim. 4:21, "Do your best to get here before winter."

Timothy relied on Paul to teach him how to lead God's people. Paul relied on Timothy as a helper.

Who can be a Timothy in your life? Who will you mentor in the way that Paul taught this young man? This relationship is a perfect example of a mentoring relationship. Paul prayed for Timothy, bringing him into a full relationship with Jesus. Timothy was able to turn around and use all of the things that he had been taught in leading the churches he spent time with. In the end, who will look at you and honor you for bringing them to the fullness of a relationship with Jesus?