“This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy.” (Colossians 1:1)
Who in your life would you like to see become a devoted follower of Jesus and a great leader in the world? In yesterday’s devotion, we learned how God transformed a man named Saul of Tarsus, a Jewish leader focused on persecuting Christians, into the most influential Christian leader of the first century. God used this man, we call the Apostle Paul, to help many others come to faith in Christ and become great Christian leaders in that day. One of the people Paul discipled was a young man named Timothy, who became a great Christian leader in the first century.
Who was Timothy, the man mentioned in Colossians 1:1? He was a person who was led to faith in Jesus by his mother (Eunice) and grandmother (Lois). They became Christians when Paul was ministering in the areas of Derbe and Lystra on his first missionary journey. They passed on their faith to Timothy when he was just a boy (2 Timothy 3:15). Later on, Timothy would accompany Paul in his missionary endeavors, growing in his knowledge of God’s word and will. Timothy served as Paul’s representative to several churches (1 Corinthians 4:17, Philippians 2:19), Timothy is also mentioned as being with Paul when Paul wrote several New Testament letters. Later, he became a pastor in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3). History tells us he eventually became the Bishop of the Churches in Ephesus. The child raised by Eunice and Lois became one of the most influential Christians leaders in the first century.
So, who should you be passing your faith on to in the 21st century? Who are some people in your life that God wants to become strong Christians and leaders like Timothy? You may be thinking of your children, grandchildren, friends, work associates, or others. But know this. There are people around you who will never become all God wants them to be and all He wants them to do unless you invest in their lives like Eunice, Lois, and Paul did with Timothy. So, during this time of Prayer and Fasting, ask the Lord to show you who He wants you to encourage, disciple, and mentor and how He wants to equip you to do that. God wants you to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus, but He also wants you to become a difference-maker in the lives of others.
Prayer - Lord, thank You for placing people around me who I can connect with You and help grow in their faith. Please show me how to do that in the days ahead.
Reflection - Who does the Lord want me to be a good example and encourager to? What changes need to take place in my life so I can make a difference in others' lives?
