Desiring to See You 2 Timothy 1:4

As Paul the apostle continued writing his final epistle in the Bible, he directed it towards “Timothy” his “dearly beloved son”. After blessing Timothy with the greeting of “grace, mercy and peace”, Paul told him “without ceasing” he had “remembrance” him in his “prayers night and day”. In chapter one and verse four of this letter, Paul writes concerning his great desire to see Timothy where we read:

Greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

The verse begins, “Greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears,...” Paul began with, “Greatly desiring” which means “earnest, longing, yearning and intensely craving” “to see you” or “perceive you with eyes”. Paul earnestly desired to see Timothy with his own eyes “being mindful” which means “remembering, recalling or being reminded” “of your tears” which is a physical demonstration of sadness or impassioned joy. When we use our imaginations we can almost see the passionate care Paul had towards Timothy and Timothy towards Paul.

The verse goes on to say, “...that I may be filled with joy;” Paul gave the reason he longed to see Timothy, “that I may be filled” or “so he could abound, furnish or supply liberally to the brim or full measure” “with joy” which means “gladness, delight and cheerfulness”. Paul knew the site of Timothy would supply him liberally and fill him to the brim with “joy” within his soul.

When we ponder these words of Paul, we note they are filled with passionate emotions. From sadness to joy, Paul expresses the fullness of the relationship between he and his “dearly beloved son” whom he longed to see. Perhaps we have people who are just as dear to us, and when we see them our hearts are overwhelmed with joy. Maybe there are those whom we “earnestly desire” to see but have not for some time, and as the Lord Jesus speaks to our hearts through this passage, we may be inspired to renew relationships that have been estranged for a while. Maybe we will be motivated to call or visit someone whom we have not seen for some time. Let us allow the Lord to remind us of different people and the “tears” in their eyes which demonstrated their depth of feelings, and when He does, let us act according to His direction that we may be “filled with joy” when we see them.

Next time Paul will share concerning the heritage of Timothy's “unfeigned faith”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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