Ephesus was pretty much a major financial centre of its day with an industry base centered on idol manufacturing ( as opposed to idle manufacturing! ). Within this " dark spiritual climate " Timothy was left by Paul to both earn his living via secular employment and co-ordinate a bunch of home groups across the city, which is all the church amounted to at that time. Many of us too find ourselves in comparable situations - either alone, or at best linking ( but probably not prayerfully ) with a few other believers - having to live and work amongst those who have little awareness of the Gospel and its present day relevance.

          We see in this description Timothy's struggle in facing up to his calling and how he cried at seeing Paul leave him in such a place. Bear in mind too the overwhelming impact Paul had everywhere he went, and the enormous pressure this put on everyone else - the " I could never do that - it's alright for Paul " type response - familiar dialogue I suspect for many of us who have been fed on testimony from South American revivals! Perhaps too Timothy was aware of Paul's harsh treatment of John Mark who was " sacked " for not being up to the job?

          I wonder how many of us see ourselves as adequate to be the ambassador and standard bearer for Christ in our offices, neighbourhoods, schools, places of leisure, unbelieving families etc., which have no room for His teaching? As we read on we see Paul fully understanding Timothy's dilemma and pain and wonderfully endorsing the faith that he could see was in Timothy's life. He is fully persuaded ( verse 6 ) ( see Romans 8 v38 for the full strength of this use of the word persuaded / convinced ) and is also so grateful to God for this young man. Paul's gratitude for Timothy here so resonant of the pleasure and gratitude of Jesus to His Father for the twelve and seventy two.

          And with Jesus now sitting at the Father's right hand both interceding and giving thanks to God for us, we can be encouraged in our walk with Him in the place where we are. God not only sees and knows every failure and missed opportunity BUT every single tiny stand for righteousness and justice we make. He hears too every prayer we cry for those around us who face the prospect of a Christ-less eternity.

          We may be in many respects in an alien and godless environment but through our tears and fears ( just like Timothy ) we nonetheless have the risen Son of God expressing His gratitute and support for us to His ( and now our ) Heavenly Father. So let us press on...

A Message from September 2001

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