2 Timothy 1:11-14 (CEB)

11 I was appointed a messenger, apostle, and teacher of this good news. 12 This is also why I’m suffering the way I do, but I’m not ashamed. I know the one in whom I’ve placed my trust. I’m convinced that God is powerful enough to protect what he has placed in my trust until that day. 13 Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you heard from me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 Protect this good thing that has been placed in your trust through the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Reflection

Think back to the best gift anyone has ever given you. The most amazing or touching gifts you receive during your lifetime usually come from someone you have a close relationship with: a loved one, family member or a close friend. The gift may be an item or it may be an act of loving kindness, but in either case, you can be 100% certain it came from the heart. The greatest gift you can ever receive is one that changes your life.

At some point in our lives we all have to decide to trust someone. Paul is at the end of his ministry and has decided to trust Timothy to continue the ministry as “teacher of this good news.” Paul also warns Timothy that following Jesus will involve suffering, but to never be ashamed.

Then Paul says something amazing: “I know the one in whom I’ve placed my trust.” Why does Paul trust Jesus? He trusts Jesus because he had developed a relationship with him. He experienced the risen Christ in a blinding light, he talked to him in prayer, he believed and received the gift of salvation and eternal life. Paul received the gift of salvation and trusted Jesus and it changed his life. The power of the indwelling Holy Spirit changed Paul from persecutor of Christians to the Apostle of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Paul’s life was never the same. And now Paul is asking Timothy to take up this work to “protect this good thing that has been placed in your trust.”

By Jeneene Reduker

For Pondering & Prayer

When you invite Jesus into your daily life and trust him, you will never be the same. It is the best gift you will ever receive. All down through the ages, the good news of salvation through Jesus has been placed in Christians’ trust to pass on to someone else. Now it is placed in your trust. Who will you share the good news with today?

Prayer: Loving God, thank you for the gift of the the Good News of salvation through your Son Jesus. Help us, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to find ways to share the good news that you that you have placed in our trust, for the transformation of the world. Amen.