A New Calling
He has saved us and called us to a holy life. 2 Timothy 1:9
READ 2 Timothy 1:6–14
Teenage gang leader Casey and his followers
broke into homes and cars, robbed convenience stores, and fought other
gangs. Eventually, Casey was arrested and sentenced. In prison, he
became a “shot caller,” someone who handed out homemade knives during
riots.
Sometime later, he was placed in solitary confinement. While
daydreaming in his cell, Casey experienced a “movie” of sorts replaying
key events of his life—and of Jesus being led to and nailed to the cross
and telling him, “I’m doing this for you.” Casey fell to the floor
weeping and confessed his sins. Later, he shared his experience with a
chaplain, who explained more about Jesus and gave him a Bible. “That was
the start of my journey of faith,” Casey said. Eventually, he was
released into the mainline prison population, where he was mistreated
for his faith. But he felt at peace, because “[he] had found a new
calling: telling other inmates about Jesus.”
In his letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul talks about the power of
Christ to change lives: God calls us from lives of wrongdoing to follow
and serve Jesus (2 Timothy 1:9). When we receive Him by faith, we desire
to be a living witness of Christ’s love. The Holy Spirit enables us to
do so, even when suffering, in our quest to share the good news (v. 8).
Like Casey, let’s live out our new calling.
By Alyson Kieda |
When have you shared the gospel with someone, and what was the result? Did it ever lead to suffering? What happened?
Dear God, thank You for offering me a new
calling through Your Son. And thank You for giving me the Spirit to live
inside me to guide and empower me to serve You. | | | | |
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Second Timothy is heavy and heartfelt. Paul
knew this would be one of his last letters before his death (4:6–8).
Based on the formal introduction (1:1), the letter was meant to be read
to Timothy’s congregation or others, but it’s addressed specifically to
Timothy, who was a spiritual son to Paul (v. 2). Paul was writing from
prison, and he wanted to encourage his protégé that the gospel was worth
suffering for (v. 8). But he also longed for a chance to see him again
(v. 4) and requested Timothy come quickly: “Do your best to get here
before winter” (4:21).
Julie Schwab
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