«To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord» (l Timothy 1:2).
THE NAME TIMOTHY means «someone who bows down to, honors, and worships God» He was Paul’s spiritual son, assistant, companion, and disciple. He was converted alongside his family on Paul’s first visit to Lystra and was part of Paul’s second missionary journey. The son of a Jewish mother and a Greek father, he was educated from a young age in the teachings of Christ. He accompanied Paul for some time on his missionary journeys until he was sent out alone to attend to the challenges of the growing church.
Timothy had some physical problems and a degree of inconsistency, and there were those who looked down on his youth and inexperience. Ephesus was not the best place to be a pastor. The city was idolatrous, dedicated to the goddess Diana, patron saint of sexual desire. In addition, Paul had been in Ephesus for three years and had done great work. He knew it would not be easy to succeed him, so he wrote to Timothy to encourage and guide him in the leadership of the church.
The true minister of God will not shun hardship or responsibility. From the Source that never fails those who sincerely seek for divine power, he draws strength that enables him to meet and overcome temptation, and to perform the duties that God places upon him . . . His soul goes out in longing desire to do acceptable service for the Master ( The Acts of the Apostles, p. 501).
The following announcement appeared in a London newspaper: «Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in event of success.» It was published by the noted Arctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. And thousands of men came!
If the Lord Jesus Christ or Paul placed a classified add requesting workers, what would they say? «Full-time or part-time missionaries are sought to complete the Lord’s work You may encounter indifference, opposition, persecution, jail, constant attacks from an invisible enemy, and even martyrdom. It may be that the fruits of your labor are not visible, and the reward will be given upon delivery of the finished product beside the river of life.»
What would be our response to this challenge?
If thousands responded to the invitation of the Arctic explorer, thousands can respond to the invitation from the Explorer of the Universe for the last risky expedition of the greatest rescue in history.
The price of mission is high.
The value of the reward is incalculable.
