Saturday 17th February
Read 2 Timothy 4:14-18
“Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defence, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (NIVUK)
Paul’s life is an echo of the challenges and suffering that others have been through. Jesus too was deserted by everyone at his first trial, Daniel was delivered from the mouth of the lion and the Lord stood by his side. Ultimately the purpose behind all his suffering, and every Christian’s suffering, is that God’s kingdom would arrive on earth as it is in heaven and that glory would redound to the one who graciously saved a people for Himself forever. Paul’s life mirrors the Lord’s prayer. Spend time praying that now.
