How unceasing is my memory of you in my petitions, night and day longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy;
Summary: Paul’s words to Timothy provide a glimpse into God’s love for each of us.
Our God is a passionate God and is one who loves us deeply. His apostle, Paul, is also passionate, and he also loves deeply. This is obvious in the words Paul wrote to express his love and concern for Timothy.
In one sense, this is a deeply personal passage. It is so personal that even now, hundreds of years later, it is almost embarrassing to read. Clearly, Paul has a deep affection for Timothy as a son.
In another sense, this passage reflects the way that Jesus feels about each of us, individually.
Do you think I exaggerate?
“Unceasing is my memory…”
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:6-7, NIV)
“…of you in my petitions…”
“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” (John 17:15)
“…night and day longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy…”
“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.” (John 17:22-23)
There are a lot of distractions in life. It is easy to forget and lose sight of what is important. Friends come and go, family moves away, and it becomes harder to stay in contact.
None of that distracts Paul from his focus on Timothy. He is constantly mindful of the challenges Timothy faces and the work that is always before him. Paul is only human. He can’t be in two places at one time.
But God can.
We can rely on God to look after those we love, just as Paul does when he prays unceasingly for Timothy. Just as Jesus prays for us.
Application: Love as God loves us.
Food for Thought: If God cares deeply for us, why doesn’t he remove all the pain and frustration in our lives?
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Continue reading “2 Timothy 1:3b-4 – Unceasing Petitions”
