I Timothy Chapter 1

Meditations on…I Timothy
 
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God, our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy, my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord."
I Timothy 1:1-2 NIV
 
As I begin my study on I Timothy, I can’t help but notice the greeting Paul gives. Yesterday, I felt overwhelmed. I confess, points even existed where I even felt hopeless. It was my first day “substituting” and acting as my Kindergartener’s teacher. In no way did I feel suited for the task. In no way did I feel prepared. So, it is from this lens that I began studying I Timothy.
     “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God, our Savior and of Christ Jesus, our Hope, to Timothy, my true son in the faith; grace, mercy, and peace to you from God the Father and Christ our Lord (Timothy I:1-2).” These words washed over my frazzled spirit like honey. Just hearing this simple reminder that God is our Savior and Christ is our Hope, lifted my spirits. These are powerful words which Paul penned. Knowing that God is our Savior, that He is 

the One who can save us, speaks directly to where we are right now in our nation. At a time when many of us feel hopeless, the reminder of who and where our Hope lies, brings the focus off self and our situation, but fixes it upon our Lord Jesus Christ.
     I don’t know about you, but just when I needed it most, this verse of greeting began my path towards restoration in peace. For if we are hopeless, peace cannot reside. But, if we have Hope in Jesus and faith in God’s ability to save, peace can begin to minister and flow.
     “to Timothy, my true son in the faith; grace, mercy, and peace to you. (I Timothy 1:2).” I came away from this verse with a thought which convicted me. Am I a true son’daughter in the faith? What kind of faith walk am I living? For Paul is not just describing Timothy as “a son in the faith” but a “true son in the faith.” This additional extra work connotes so much. Among the definitions listed by Siri on my iPhone for the word ‘true’ is, “accurate or exact; loyal or faithful; honest; without variation.” Am I a loyal, faithful, honest, accurate, and exact son/daughter who does not vary, swerve, or falter in his/her faith? How my heart yearns to be this kind of child of God. How my heart yearns to hear these very words from God, Himself as I stand before the judgement seat. May it be so, oh Lord, may it be so.
    Paul goes on to greet Timothy with “grace, mercy, and peace…from God the father and Christ Jesus our Lord (I Timothy 1:2).” Simple as this greeting may be, it speaks loudly to me during a time where we are constantly bombarded with uncertainty, changes, and precautions. I don’t know about you, but for someone to wish me grace, mercy, and peace right now is very meaningful, coveted, and needed. So, as we all step into uncharted territory, I pray that each one of us will know and experience God’s grace and mercy this day. May a peace that passes all understanding rest on you, flow over you, and wash through you as you step out today and in the weeks to come.