Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 2: 4-6
" 4 No one serving as a soldier gets involve in civilian affairs-he wants to please his commanding officer.
5 Similarly if any one competes as an athletes, he does not receive the victor crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard working farmer should be the first to receive a share of a crops."
Its been hard time for Paul facing death in a cell sending encouragement to his friend Timothy. As Paul neared death from imprisonment preventing him from travelling, He think of a successor. He need to pass the torch and he decided on the young man Timothy.
At times in this letter, Paul lectures Timothy like a master sergeant calling him to stand firm, overcome shame and hold on to faith.
Writing to a friend, Paul compared these three analogies, soldier, athlete and Farmer so that Timothy could reflect them. Paul was totally aware of the dangers facing his own life and he wants to prepare him for any hardships that he had to face.
Despite his circumstance, Paul farewell message from behind bars was gracious. The spread of the gospel is far too big a task to be limited to only one man. " I am chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained." Paul declared. (2:9)
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