2 Timothy 2:8-15 (NRSV)
Read 2 Timothy 2:8-15 on biblegateway.com
Verse 8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David-that is my gospel, Verse 9for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Verse 10Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. Verse 11The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; Verse 12if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us; Verse 13if we are faithless, he remains faithful- for he cannot deny himself.
Verse 14Remind them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening. Verse 15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth.
Devotion
It is not easy to be a follower of Jesus. It is acceptable, even encouraged, to say we’re church members, to attend Bible studies, and to give time and money to support the work of a faith group. But following Jesus is more than that.
Following Jesus means: being transformed by God’s love for us and for all people; seeing the world through the eyes of Jesus, with all the beauty and the brokenness; hearing through the ears of Jesus, taking in the expressions of love as well as hate that surround us; speaking the words of Jesus, compassionate words of love as well as challenging words of righteous indignation; and living on the margins rather than in the comfortable and safe center.
Paul and Timothy realized it was not easy being a follower of Jesus. They suffered, worked hard, endured, and supported one another in their efforts to be Jesus’ words and actions in the world.
Prayer
God of patience, forgive us when we take the easy paths in life and choose not to follow you. And thank you for calling us back to be your followers, your disciples. Amen.