Paul the
apostle declared that he prayed for “Timothy” his “dearly
beloved son” “night and day”, and he “greatly”
desired to see him because he was “mindful of” his “tears”
and he wanted to “be filled with joy” when he saw him. In
chapter one and verse five of his second letter to Timothy, Paul
remembered Timothy's “unfeigned faith” which was first in
his “grandmother Lois” and in his “mother Eunice”.
We read:
When I
call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in you, which dwelt
first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice; and I am
persuaded that in you also.
The verse begins, “When
I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in you,which dwelt
first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice;” Paul
began this verse by declaring, “When I call”
or “take in hand, recall or lay hold of” “to
remembrance” which means “a
reminding or recollection of” “the unfeigned”
or “undisguised and sincere” “faith”
which is “the conviction that God exists and is the creator
and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal
salvation through Chris and a strong and welcome conviction or belief
that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation
in the kingdom of God” “that is in you” or “by, with,
within and about Timothy” “which dwelt” which means
“lived in, abided in and influenced” “in your grandmother
Lois” who was Timothy's female grandparent whose name means
“agreeable”. Paul added, “and your mother Eunice” who
was Timothy's mother whose name means “good victory”. No doubt
Timothy had a rich heritage in his grandmother and mother who
demonstrated what “sincere faith” was like.
The
verse goes on to say, “ and I am persuaded that in you also.”
Paul continued, “and I am persuaded” or “induced to
believe, convinced, am confident and have faith” “that in you
also” or “that this same unfeigned faith is within you as
well”. Paul not only knew this “sincere faith” was present
within Timothy's grandmother and mother, but he also saw the evidence
of this “unfeigned faith” within Timothy too.
As
we meditate upon Paul's words, we may think on at least two lines of
thought here. First, we can admire the “unfeigned faith”
which was in Timothy's grandmother and mother. Lois and Eunice knew
the importance of demonstrating and living out their faith before
their son and grandson. Secondly, this “unfeigned faith”
was taken up by Timothy himself. He not only observed his mother and
grandmother's behavior and practices, but he also adopted them into
his own life. He was not just an beholder, but Timothy became a
believer as they were. Perhaps Paul's words have stirred our own
lives as we remember those over whom we have influence? Are we
demonstrating the gospel of Jesus Christ in a manner in which they
will follow our example? Do we have people who love us such as a
mother or grandmother who have shown us the gospel and desire that we
follow their ways? As we think on these things, let us ask the Lord
Jesus to “call to our remembrance” those who have
“unfeigned faith” and desire to fulfill our roles as
examples before those who come after us. May the Heavenly Father,
help us to live with “sincere faith” and trust in Him at all
times before everyone with whom we have to do.
Next
time Paul encourages Timothy to “stir up the gift” that
is within him, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be
Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the
Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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