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2 Timothy 1:8-14 (NRSV)
Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace.
This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him.
Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.121314
Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace.
This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him.
Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.121314
Shame is a powerful emotion.
Have you ever felt like someone was ashamed of you? Have you ever been ashamed of yourself?
The answer is certainly, "yes."
Shame is a bad feeling.
Isn't it interesting to read this scripture and hear that Paul must have been afraid that Timothy would be ashamed of his imprisonment?
His greater fear was that Timothy might somehow become ashamed of the "gospel," that is, the story of Jesus Christ.
Crucifixion was a shameful, horrible event in the ancient world. It was a punishment designed not only to kill, but also to shame.
The amazing truth of Christianity is that it can change that tool of intended shame into a symbol of God's love and triumph. The cross was not the end, but the path that led to life...resurrection.
Have you ever known that someone was proud of you? What a good feeling. Dare to believe, and don't ever be ashamed of it.
Prayer: May we never be ashamed to live and proclaim the good news given to us in Jesus Christ.
Scripture for Tomorrow: (No blog) 2 Timothy 2:1-7
See you in church this Sunday @ SOTH: 9 & 11 AM and Sunday School for all ages at 10:15
1 comment:
Adam:
Thank you for another week. This is my daily devotion and keeps me focused!
Sandra
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