Paul could have admonished Timothy to be strong in a lot of different things. He could have told him to be strong in the strength of Christ Jesus. Or he could have told him to be strong in the power of Christ Jesus. However, Paul very specifically tells Timothy that the strength he needs is going to be found in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Paul knew that hard times were coming for young Timothy. That he would need the power of God working in him in order to get through. Paul also knew that the strength Timothy would need could only come from one place - the grace, the good will, loving-kindness, and favor of Christ Jesus.
Why is that? What is it about grace that gives us strength more than the dozens of other words that Paul could have used?
Imagine, serving an all powerful monarch here on earth. This monarch has given us a job to do, a job that will be hard and require much strength. But we know that we have the good will, loving-kindness, and favor of this monarch. If that was the case, how much strength, both literally and figuratively, do you think that would give you as a loyal servant of that king?
We serve the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is pouring out His grace on us. How can I find strength in that grace today?
No comments:
Post a Comment