What is the hardest thing you have had to endure at work? This can vary wildly depending on what type of career or job you have? How about at church? What is the hardest thing you have ever had to endure at church? The options are still varied, but slightly less so. In our reading today, we get a short picture of the kind of struggles that Timothy had when he was "on the road" with Paul traveling around the ancient Mediterranean. Paul and Timothy are in the town of Berea. We learn previously that the Bereans are rather smart people. They don't take travelling preachers word for it, they listen, and then look it up for themselves. This could have been a tough crowed by itself. But in our reading today we see that Jews who opposed Paul's ministry travelled from Thessalonica to Berea just to stir up the people against Paul! Talk about taking a tough crowed and making it worse. But, that's not the end of it. In order to protect Paul, the believers send him to the coast, away from the opposition. But, you know who didn't go with Paul... Timothy! Timothy and Silas stayed in Berea and continued to minister there. This meant the crowds that were opposed to Paul, at least those who didn't go back home after they ran Paul off, were still there opposed to Timothy. Working with Paul, young Timothy had to endure many of the same hardships Paul had. We often think of Paul has such a titan-like figure of first century ministry that we neglect to give proper credit to his partners and protégés. Timothy willingly stood in the face of persecution and opposition in order to carry the Gospel. We need to take a page of Timothy's playbook and be ready and willing to face our own opposition to being a committed follower of Jesus.
Prayer:
My Savior and King, I want to be a servant in Your service. Please help me to strengthen my heart and mind to face opposition for Your Name. You and You alone are the rightful King of the Universe. Please help me grow in boldness to declare Your Name regardless of the company I may be in. Thank You Lord, Amen.
Reflection:
What kinds of opposition or persecution have you experienced for the name of Jesus?
What opposition do you expect to encounter if you become more vocal about your faith?
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