Paul and Timothy

Paul and Barnabas have parted ways due to an argument over whether or not Mark should go with them to visit all the churches. I don’t know all the details but one thing I see is Paul still valued having a partner in ministry. He finds Timothy in Lystra. Apparently Paul is a good bit older than Timothy but sees something in this young and probably inexperienced believer. So Paul takes Timothy under his wing and empowers him to live a life for the Gospel. This was not a new strategy for doing ministry. It was THE strategy as seen modeled by Jesus. Jesus really did his ministry and placed the future of the spread of the Gospel on the shoulders of a few ragged men and women.

 

For me the application is simple. Always have a “Timothy” in my life. I need always be on the look out for the younger believer to take under my wing and empower them to live for the Kingdom. Later Paul would say to Timothy, “The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to reliable men who will also be able to teach others.” I want to be a person who is always investing in the few that can pass the torch of the Gospel to others. I want to always be pouring into others so that they can live for the Kingdom.

 

Father help me to always be a person who invests in the lives of others. Help me to have the eyes to see who it is that You would have for me to empower for the Kingdom.