What do you think the ultimate trust a mentor can place in a student? In my opinion, going ahead of them and preparing a way or starting the class without the more senior instructor there is the greatest gesture of trust one can put in someone they are training up. In our reading today, we see this is the exact kind of trust the Apostle Paul places in young Timothy during their ministry together. After two very powerful acts of supernatural ministry, Paul sends Timothy and Erastus ahead of him to Macedonia to begin to ministry there and he (Paul) would follow long shortly. It is one thing to start teaching and then hand the class over to your assistant teacher. It is something completely different to send your protégé ahead of you to start teaching on their own, knowing when you arrive a proper foundation will have been laid. Now, add to that the fact that we are talking about the Apostle Paul himself. This is not some random community college professor with a first time student teacher who needs a shot with a small classroom. This is quite possibly the biggest name Apostle of the history of the Christian Church putting the highest level of trust and authority in the hands of a young man whom he has raised up in ministry. This is a powerful statement to not only the kind of relationship that existed between Paul and Timothy, but also the depth and quality of ministry Timothy was able to deliver in preparation for Paul's arrival. I have had the privilege of having the same pastoral mentor for the whole of my pastoral career. His wisdom and guidance have been invaluable to me growing into the man God has formed me to be. I can only imagine how Timothy felt seeing Paul trust him enough to prepare the way for him. We all should be preparing the way of ministry for the next person who comes behind us, whether we are "on the road" in full time ministry or sharing Jesus in the desk next door at work.
Prayer:
Gracious God of Life, please help me to share my love for you with those You have placed in my life. I want to be a story-teller of what You have done in my life. Please help me to be bold and led by Your Spirit. Thank You Lord. Amen.
Gracious God of Life, please help me to share my love for you with those You have placed in my life. I want to be a story-teller of what You have done in my life. Please help me to be bold and led by Your Spirit. Thank You Lord. Amen.
Reflection:
What kinds of works have you done for the Lord's kingdom?
What kinds of works have you done for the Lord's kingdom?
Who do you have a relationship with that is either pouring into you or that you are helping mentor?
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