June 28, 2018: SOAP #3129: Amos 1-3; Psalm 80; 2Timothy 4

Scripture:  2Timothy (NIV) [Paul from prison writing a letter to Timothy] 4:9 Do your best to come to me quickly…11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.

Observation:    In Acts 15:37-39 we read that Paul and Barnabas went separate ways because Paul did not want Mark to accompany them on their next missionary journey.  Now that Paul is in prison and about ready be executed for his faith, he calls for Mark.  We can only speculate about the change in Paul’s heart toward Mark.  Has there been a change in Marks attitude and ministry that cause Paul to see the value in having him nearby?   Or has the change come to Paul in desiring Mark to have his blessings and encouragement before he is executed?   Either way, it appears that Paul and Mark ended on a good note, appreciating each other and serving together.

Application:  It bothers me when I see someone passing through death’s door without making peace with those left behind.  Showing up at heaven’s gate to meet the one who died to forgive us and make peace with us…showing up with unforgiveness and resentment in our hearts—the Bible does not have a lot of hope for us.  We who have been forgiven are commanded to forgive.  If we do not forgive, Jesus promises to NOT forgive us in the same way we have NOT forgiven others!  Remember the Lord’s Prayer? (Matthew 6:12 and 15)

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, you are The Great Forgiver!  You sent your Son to die in payment for my sins so that you can forgive me when I confess my sins.  Now, your Holy Spirit lives within me; you want me to be a forgiver also.  Make me more like you; make me a forgiver, I pray. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!