Rescued and Redeemed

2 Timothy 3:10-12 (NIV)  You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance,  persecutions, sufferings--what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.  In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Paul is teaching Timothy and us a lesson about following Jesus.  His words to his friend, or as Paul refers to him in his greeting, "My dear son," are words of warning.  He is preparing Timothy for a difficult life.  He is telling him it isn't going to be all roses and candy; it will be tough.  It might even be dangerous to be a Christ follower.

Paul's letter is also meant to be an encouragement to his young charge.  "Yet the LORD rescued me..."  We need to hear this too.  We need to be prepared but confident.  Life as a Believer will have troubles and it could be dangerous.  We read of persecution in other countries, severe hardships some followers experience and we might feel safe, but not so.

There will come a time when it will be very unpopular to proclaim Christ as our Savior.  Some are already feeling the wrath of the world.  It begins imperceptibly and before we know it, it is the norm.  It starts when we are told when and where we can pray; and this is just the beginning.  

Those we look up to, our heroes, turn dark. Our children struggle to find role models worthy of emulation. These times are on us now, but we still can cling to Scripture, for it is living and active. As a popular song says, "Word of God Speak, won't you pour down like rain?"  

While it might even be dangerous to be a follower of Christ, would you have it any other way? I will be remembering the line, "Yet the LORD rescued me..." and find my peace there.

2 Timothy 3:10-17