If I were Timothy #13: abandoned

INTRODUCTION

Last month, we journeyed through the book of 1 Timothy, a letter written by Paul directly to his protégé Timothy.

Just a reminder of who Timothy was –

Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek.  Acts 16:1

After Paul had visited Lystra, Timothy became his companion and co-worker along with Silas. Timothy then travelled around with Paul, who became his mentor. Paul trusted him to carry out important work.

During the month, I imagined how I would have reacted to this letter from Paul if I were Timothy. You can read the whole of that response here. I’d have been blown away – and now here I am, receiving another letter from Paul addressed directly to me! This letter is traditionally considered to be the last one Paul wrote before his death.

So let’s unpack it together, imagining each day who Timothy would respond.

PASSAGE

You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus. 2 Timothy 1:15-18

RESPONSE

I had heard that certain people wanted nothing more to do with me. That must have been heartbreaking for you. It’s amazing how suffering can chase people away. I’ve been thinking about it. Some people stay away from people who are going through a hard time, because they don’t know how to support them. They’re afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing so they do nothing at all. Some don’t want to be dragged down by the suffering of others. Some don’t want to be reminded that following the Way may involve personal suffering (and probably will!). They push those who are suffering into a corner so that they can entice people to faith with talk of promised health and wealth and happiness. Some start to have doubts in God, because they can’t bear to see you, God’s faithful servant treated in this way – what kind of God is this that would allow that?

You know all this, of course, and it doesn’t make being abandoned and forgotten any easier. I guess it’s about giving thanks for the faithful few who’ve stood by you, as you are already doing. It may not be the people we expect (or even want!) who meet our needs and bring us the comfort we need and practical support. But all through your ministry, God has always provided. I’ve seen that firsthand and it has been a great encouragement to me. I cannot imagine what it is like to be imprisoned, to have your freedom removed in this way. I wish you were not going through this suffering. I wish I could come to you. But know that I will never abandon you. I will always stand by you and the faith that you profess.