Life in general is full of challenges and bitter losses that we all have experienced at some time or another. Irrefutably life under the sun is difficult for everybody, but to live this life devoted to God is not for the faint of heart. Our holy Father has never hid from His servants that to live a holy life is arduous. Hence the purpose the psalm declares, “precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15, emphasis added). The beloved apostle John echoes this Divine truth as he scribes, “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them’” (Revelation 14:13, emphasis added). It is evident that to live in righteousness before God is not for cowards; it is a life for the brave. Holy Writ radiantly reveals that “the wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1, emphasis added). The pages of the sacred Scriptures are filled with extraordinary examples of men and women who valiantly defied intimidating odds stacked against them by mighty foes. Holy men that the Holy Spirit lauds “of whom the world was not worthy” (Hebrews 11:38a). Thence, there is no question that God has no pleasure in those who forsake their faith because of peril. For this reason, it was imperative for Timothy to comprehend “for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of Our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the Gospel according to the power of God” (2nd Timothy 1:7-8, emphasis added). Biblical scholars have long believed this epistle to be Paul’s last will and testament, entrusted to his son in the faith. Remember that when the apostle to the Gentiles penned this letter, he was a prisoner of King Nero for practicing Christianity openly. Several historical accounts have confirmed that during Nero’s tyranny it was illegal to be a Christian under penalty of death. Many suggestions have been made as to the reason for this unjust legislation, but regardless of what they were it created a nightmare for all Christians. Undoubtedly, it took boldness to confess Jesus as Lord and refuse to deny Him before men. One tradition claims that our brethren sang praises unto the Lord as they were lit on fire by Roman soldiers. Tales such as these truly put into perspective the apostles exhortation to a young man like Timothy. It is easy to empathize with the confusion in Timothy’s mind, caused by the chaos of Nero’s madness. On the one hand he was being told that his mentor was imprisoned for violating an imperial edict, thus making him a criminal in the eyes of society. On the other hand he was witnessing the gore brought about an unjust law, embraced by impious men who reveled in the death of innocent men and women. For this reason, under the shadow of death, Paul surmised it opportune to remind his young apprentice that the Lord had forewarned of these turbulent times. He dissolved the slanderous toxins spewed about his imprisonment by embracing his chains for the sake of Christ. Paul exhorted his student to “be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2nd Timothy 4:5, emphasis added). The apostle’s love and care for his young apprentice is palpable in his emboldened council. Furthermore, Paul was aware that Timothy had several difficult tasks ahead of him which he would need to encounter without his esteemed mentor. It is why the apostle reminded him that “without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also” (2nd Timothy 1:3b-5, emphasis added). The apostle’s choice words truly exhibit how well he knew Timothy, but also the high level of trust he had in Timothy. Verily, for a son to hear from his father “I believe in you,” is indescribably joyous and highly motivating. Let us recall that for the young evangelist, Paul had become his father figure. The resemblance between Timothy and Paul never eluded the apostle; rather he proudly heralded it. Paul revealed to the Philippians “I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state…but you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the Gospel” (Philippians 2:19-20, 22, emphasis added). This passage makes an emphasis on the remarkable bond that had been forged between master and student. It reveals the reason for Paul’s careful selection of words in what would be his final letter to his son as well. The inspired apostle was essentially telling Timothy to carry on his torch and not be afraid. As an excellent mentor, Paul was not writing vain words of encouragement but was proving to his pupil why he had a high confidence in him to take over in his absence. It was very important for the young evangelist to understand that he had been cautiously selected and thoroughly trained by the apostle to be his replacement when the time came. Thus, Paul knew that his time of departure was near and it was of great value for Timothy to behold his boldness and conviction that “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2nd Timothy 4:7). This was Timothy’s final lesson and unequivocally the most precious. The inspired Paul could not dare instruct his beloved pupil to be brave in the face of death if he was not so himself. He was cognizant of the unique opportunity he had been blessed with to display to his cherished son an example of a faithful servant of God who is persuaded “Death is swallowed up in victory” (1st Corinthians 15:54b, emphasis added). For this reason, Paul ingrains in the mind of his student that cowardice belongs to those who are ashamed to confess the Lord Jesus before men because they are afraid of death. Ironically, these are the same people who desire to reach heaven, but have yet to accept that one must cross through death first, to be able to attain the crown of glory prepared for those who endured faithfully until the end.
