2 Timothy 4:3-8 (NRSV)
Read 2 Timothy 4:3-8 on biblegateway.com
Verse 3For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, Verse 4and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. Verse 5As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully. Verse 6As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. Verse 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Verse 8From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Text for the Oct. 18 festival of Luke the Evangelist
Devotion
Yesterday the psalmist described the enemies of Israel as turbulent waters and snares from which God delivered them. Today, the apostle Paul foretells of a different turbulence that will arise: sound doctrine will not find an audience. People will tire of listening to the gospel and will turn from the truth. They will take pleasure in stories and “myths” that “suit their own desires.”
Undoubtedly, as Christians, we struggle to make sense of the gospel of Christ in a changing and challenging world. For what has been handed to us by our forebears is under constant scrutiny. Truth is said to be “relative.” The apostle’s charge to young Timothy also comes to us. Whoever loves Christ must be ever more watchful and prayerful in these changing times.
May we also have the grace to say with Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Prayer
Dear God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom you send us to proclaim your message even in unfavorable times, help us to run with perseverance, the race set before us until we attain your crown of righteousness, through your Spirit. Amen.