“Do your best to come to me soon” (2Tim 4:9).
Who You Gonna Call?
You get one phone call. Maybe you need bail. Maybe your car broke down. Maybe you need prayer. Maybe you desperately just need someone be there. Whatever’s going on, you simply can’t do it alone.
You need help and you need it now. You’re in a bind. Your back’s against the wall. You’re pinned between the rock and the proverbial hard place.
Like the Ghostbusters say, “Who you gonna call?” Who’s your emergency contact. Who’s your lifeline? Who’s your first phone call? Who’s your personal 9-1-1 call?
Long before there were such things as 9-1-1, emergency numbers, or even telephones, folks still needed help in a hurry. Crank up the Flux Capacitor for 66 AD. The place is Rome’s infamous Mamertine Prison. The person is the Apostle Paul. The purpose is desperation. He needs help. Right. Now.
Drop Everything
The man from Tarsus sits on Death Row and knows he’s about to die. He’s poured his life out in worship to Jesus (2Tim 4:6). He’s gone the distance and is crossing the finish line in the obstacle course called life (2Tim 4:7). It won’t be long before he’s face to face with his Savior and receiving his reward (2Tim 4:8).
Paul can’t wait to see Jesus. He’s made that clear (2Cor 5:8; Phil 1:23). But there’s just one more thing he wants to do before that happens. He would love to see his friend Timothy one last time. “Do your best to come to me soon” (v9). Drop everything and get here quickly. Do not pass “Go.” Do not collect $200.
A Call from Paul
Imagine being THE one person Paul wants to see before he sees Jesus. I mean, the dude is on one of the shortest lists in history as a capital “A” Apostle of the Son of God! Christ personally handpicked this guy to tell non-Jewish people that God’s Messiah is for everyone (Acts 9:15; Rom 1:5; 11:13; 15:16; Gal 1:16; 2:2, 7-9; 3:8; 1Tim 2:7; 2Tim 4:17).
Paul has made three tours of the Mediterranean Rim telling people about Jesus. For Pete’s sake, He’s will have written 14 (and some say 15) books of what we now call the New Testament.
Paul’s Contact List
Put yourself in Tim’s sandals for just a moment. The apostle could have reached out any number of biblical VIPs in his time of need. I mean, he certainly had Peter and the other ten apostles on speed dial. He was friends with Jesus’ kid brother James (Acts 15:13; 21:18).
How about his original traveling buddy Barnabas (Acts 11:25; 13:1-14:28)? Titus certainly has the credentials (2Cor 2:13; 7:6-14; 8:6-23; 12:18; Gal 2:1-3; 2Tim 4:10; Titus 1:4). Silas would have to be near the top of the list (Acts 15:22-18:5; 2Cor 1:19; 1Th 1:1; 2Th 1:1). Don’t forget Apollos (Acts 18:2-18; 1Cor 4:1; 16:12; Titus 3:13).
Paul could have called Aquila and Priscilla (Rom 16:3-5; 1Cor 16:19; 2Tim 4:19). Maybe Epaphras (Col 4:12; Phm 23) or Epaproditus (Phil 2:25-30; 4:15-18). He and Philemon go way back (Phm 1). The apostle could always count on Tychicus when the chips were down (Eph 6:21-22; Col 4:7-9; 2Tim 4:12; Titus 3:12).
We see a little later that Dr. Luke is already by his side (2Tim 4:11). The apostle also goes out of his way see if Tim can get John Mark to come with him as well (2Tim 4:11). You might be surprised to see Mark mentioned. Let’s just say Paul and Mark’s relationship is…well…complicated (Acts 13:13; 15:37-41). And these are just a few of the names in the apostle’s contacts!
Paul’s Spiritual Son
But most of all, Paul wants Timothy. And why not? He sees the young preacher as his spiritual son (1Tim 1:2; 2Tim 1:2). God brought them together on his second tour of Turkey (Acts 16:1-3). From that point on, Tim was part of the apostle’s inner circle (Acts 17:14-15; 18:5; 19:22; 20:4; Rom 16:21).
Tim was Paul’s go-to guy for special assignments (1Cor 4:17; 16:10; 2:19-23; 1Th 3:2-6). The apostle has put him in charge of his beloved church plant in Ephesus (1Tim 1:3). He was right there when it came time to write to fellow followers of Jesus (2Cor 1:1; Phil 1:1; Col 1:1; 1Th 1:1; 2Th 1:1; Phm 1).
Here at the end of Paul’s life, he has two important reasons to write Timothy. One, to personally pass the baton of ministry (2Tim 2:1-4:5). Two, encourage him to drop everything and get his tail to Rome so he can see his face one last time (v9; 2Tim 4:21). Let that sink in. Not only is the great apostle entrusting you with a critical position of leadership but he urgently wants to spend time with you in his final days.
Not Afraid to Ask for Help
“Do your best to come to me soon” (v9). This little verse speaks about the apostle. While his spiritual resume certainly puts ours to shame, he’s not afraid to ask for help. He’s not afraid to admit he’s lonely. He’s not afraid to be totally transparent.
How about you? Are you one of those folks who can’t show any weakness? Nobody sees the real you. You’re like the old line from the deodorant commercial, “Never let them see you sweat.” No matter what comes your way, you make sure you put up a front that you’ve got everything under control. There’s just one little problem. You don’t.
Ain’t Too Proud to Beg
If the Apostle Paul isn’t afraid to call 9-1-1, where do you and I get off thinking we have to handle stuff alone? Are the person in your small group who NEVER has problem? When it’s time for prayer request, you always respond with something like “I’m good” or “Too blessed to be stressed!”
Hey, I’m NOT saying you should manufacture something when life is truly good. But pull back the curtain. Let folks see the real you. Let people pray for you. Let God use others to help you. Don’t rob them of the blessing to help!
Take a lesson from Paul. He’s like Temptations. He ain’t too proud to beg! He ain’t too proud to ask for help. He ain’t too proud to call 9-1-1.
Don’t Walk…RUN!!
The apostle pleads with Tim to “do your best” (v9) to come for a visit. He uses the Greek verb σπουδαζω/spoudazo, which means to make haste, be eager, exert yourself, be diligent, work hard, or do something in a hurry and give it everything you’ve got. It emphasizes the zeal to get something done right now.
Paul’s not making a suggestion. He’s not dropping a hint. This is not some manipulative moment of passive aggression where he tells Tim, “Hey, if you get a chance.” Not even close.
Σπουδαζω/spoudazo actually comes from the root word for “foot” (Gr. πους/pous). In other words, Paul is telling the young preacher to move your feet! Beat feet, son! Hurry! Don’t walk…RUN!! From the apostle’s perspective, Tim can’t get to Rome fast enough.
Red Alert!
A little earlier in this letter, Paul encourages Timothy to be a tenacious Bible teacher and, “Do your best (Gr. σπουδαζω/spoudazo) to present yourself to God as one approved” (2Tim 2:15).
Two different times, our man Paul uses this very word when asking his friends to come see him immediately. A few verses later, he tells Tim a second time, “Do your best (Gr. σπουδαζω/spoudazo) to come before winter” (2Tim 4:21). In his letter to Titus, he writes, “When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best (Gr. σπουδαζω/spoudazo) to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there” (Titus 3:12).
Just in case Tim’s tempted to put this trip on the back burner, the apostle emphasizes the urgency. This really must happen “soon” (Gr. ταχεως/tacheos), which accents that we’re talking quickly, hastily, at once, swiftly, and with great speed.
It’s the idea of ASAP. Urgent! Red alert! Scramble! Timothy is Paul’s 9-1-1 call.
Hurry!
When Jesus shows up at her brother’s funeral, people there see a grieving Mary sprint “quickly (Gr. ταχεως/tacheos) and go out” to meet Him (Jn 11:31). In her pain, Mary didn’t mess around and wait for Christ to find her.
Paul uses this same term when describing his own travel plans. He promises the Corinthians, “I will come soon (Gr. ταχεως/tacheos), if the Lord wills” (1Cor 4:15). He writes to the Philippian church how he not only will send Timothy “soon (Gr. ταχεως/tacheos)” (Phil 2:22) and also “trusts in the Lord that shortly (Gr. ταχεως/tacheos) I myself will come also” (Phil 2:15).
Big Ideas in an Urgent Little Plea
Don’t miss the VERY big ideas Paul crams into his short but urgent little plea. First of all, nobody stands alone. Not you. Not me. Not leaders. Not followers. Not even apostles. Remember what God said to Adam? Being alone is a bad idea. Being alone is NOT God’s idea.
Second, admit when you need help. Too many of us have believed the lie that asking for assistance reveals weakness. You know the old saying, “Never let them see you sweat.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Ask for help. Use your lifeline. Make that 9-1-1 call. You certainly don’t want to be Chicken Little. But don’t soft sell your situation either.
Third, be ready to respond when someone’s alone and in trouble. ESPECIALLY when they’re alone and in trouble. Too often I’m so self-absorbed that I fail to see a friend who’s hanging by a thread. I need to get my eyes off the dude in the mirror and start looking for someone in distress. Hello, McFly!
Fourth, when I get one of those 9-1-1 calls, I need to answer. Don’t ignore it. Don’t screen your calls. Don’t let it go to voicemail. Pick up. Find out what’s going on. And when you do, “do your best” (v9) to drop everything and get there in a hurry. The paraphrase in The Message couldn’t be more blunt. “Get here as fast as you can” (v9 The Message).
Saving Your Eternal Bacon
In the end, Paul is NOT hoping Timothy will save his eternal bacon. He’s made it crystal clear in everything he’s written that his trust is in Christ and Christ alone. Paul can’t save himself. Tim can’t do it either. Salvation is Jesus’ job. Period.
In the closing moments of the apostle’s letter, he goes out of his way to make that point a couple of more times. His Savior has done it before. “But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me” (2Tim 4:17). His Savior will do it again. “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom” (2Tim 4:18).
Forsaken by the Father
Paul knows deep in his hear that because Jesus was abandoned, we never have to be. While He hung in agony on the cross just moments before His death, Christ shouted the opening line to Psalm 22 in Aramaic. “‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’” (Mt 27:46; Mk 15:34).
The brutality and physical torture Jesus experienced is impossible for most of us to wrap our heads around. It’s what makes Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” so hard to watch.
But the deepest suffering our Savior experienced wasn’t the flogging. It wasn’t the nails. It wasn’t the spear piercing His ribcage. It was the separation and abandonment of His Dad.
Once Jesus actually took on every sin we ever committed or will commit, the Father had to turn His back on His one and only Son. Jesus’ cry from the cross is one of cosmic loneliness. He was abandoned so that we never have to be.
God is ALWAYS with Us
Fast forward a few days after the Lord’s resurrection to His final words to His followers on a mountain top. After instructing His disciples to keep making disciples, Christ makes one final promise. “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt 28:20). “God with us” (Mt 1:23) is ALWAYS with us.
If you’ve placed your trust in Jesus, you’ll never be alone again. He’s with you. He’ll never ditch you. He’ll never bail on you. He’s with you ALWAYS. Don’t forget Christ came to your eternal rescue before you ever even thought of picking up the phone.
Paul holds that truth tight as he makes his 9-1-1 call to Timothy.
Who You Gonna Call?
You get one phone call. Maybe you need bail. Maybe your car broke down. Maybe you need prayer. Maybe you desperately just need someone be there. Whatever’s going on, you simply can’t do it alone.
You need help and you need it now. You’re in a bind. Your back’s against the wall. You’re pinned between the rock and the proverbial hard place.
Like the Ghostbusters say, “Who you gonna call?” Who’s your emergency contact. Who’s your lifeline? Who’s your first phone call? Who’s your personal 9-1-1 call?
Long before there were such things as 9-1-1, emergency numbers, or even telephones, folks still needed help in a hurry. Crank up the Flux Capacitor for 66 AD. The place is Rome’s infamous Mamertine Prison. The person is the Apostle Paul. The purpose is desperation. He needs help. Right. Now.
Drop Everything
The man from Tarsus sits on Death Row and knows he’s about to die. He’s poured his life out in worship to Jesus (2Tim 4:6). He’s gone the distance and is crossing the finish line in the obstacle course called life (2Tim 4:7). It won’t be long before he’s face to face with his Savior and receiving his reward (2Tim 4:8).
Paul can’t wait to see Jesus. He’s made that clear (2Cor 5:8; Phil 1:23). But there’s just one more thing he wants to do before that happens. He would love to see his friend Timothy one last time. “Do your best to come to me soon” (v9). Drop everything and get here quickly. Do not pass “Go.” Do not collect $200.
A Call from Paul
Imagine being THE one person Paul wants to see before he sees Jesus. I mean, the dude is on one of the shortest lists in history as a capital “A” Apostle of the Son of God! Christ personally handpicked this guy to tell non-Jewish people that God’s Messiah is for everyone (Acts 9:15; Rom 1:5; 11:13; 15:16; Gal 1:16; 2:2, 7-9; 3:8; 1Tim 2:7; 2Tim 4:17).
Paul has made three tours of the Mediterranean Rim telling people about Jesus. For Pete’s sake, He’s will have written 14 (and some say 15) books of what we now call the New Testament.
Paul’s Contact List
Put yourself in Tim’s sandals for just a moment. The apostle could have reached out any number of biblical VIPs in his time of need. I mean, he certainly had Peter and the other ten apostles on speed dial. He was friends with Jesus’ kid brother James (Acts 15:13; 21:18).
How about his original traveling buddy Barnabas (Acts 11:25; 13:1-14:28)? Titus certainly has the credentials (2Cor 2:13; 7:6-14; 8:6-23; 12:18; Gal 2:1-3; 2Tim 4:10; Titus 1:4). Silas would have to be near the top of the list (Acts 15:22-18:5; 2Cor 1:19; 1Th 1:1; 2Th 1:1). Don’t forget Apollos (Acts 18:2-18; 1Cor 4:1; 16:12; Titus 3:13).
Paul could have called Aquila and Priscilla (Rom 16:3-5; 1Cor 16:19; 2Tim 4:19). Maybe Epaphras (Col 4:12; Phm 23) or Epaproditus (Phil 2:25-30; 4:15-18). He and Philemon go way back (Phm 1). The apostle could always count on Tychicus when the chips were down (Eph 6:21-22; Col 4:7-9; 2Tim 4:12; Titus 3:12).
We see a little later that Dr. Luke is already by his side (2Tim 4:11). The apostle also goes out of his way see if Tim can get John Mark to come with him as well (2Tim 4:11). You might be surprised to see Mark mentioned. Let’s just say Paul and Mark’s relationship is…well…complicated (Acts 13:13; 15:37-41). And these are just a few of the names in the apostle’s contacts!
Paul’s Spiritual Son
But most of all, Paul wants Timothy. And why not? He sees the young preacher as his spiritual son (1Tim 1:2; 2Tim 1:2). God brought them together on his second tour of Turkey (Acts 16:1-3). From that point on, Tim was part of the apostle’s inner circle (Acts 17:14-15; 18:5; 19:22; 20:4; Rom 16:21).
Tim was Paul’s go-to guy for special assignments (1Cor 4:17; 16:10; 2:19-23; 1Th 3:2-6). The apostle has put him in charge of his beloved church plant in Ephesus (1Tim 1:3). He was right there when it came time to write to fellow followers of Jesus (2Cor 1:1; Phil 1:1; Col 1:1; 1Th 1:1; 2Th 1:1; Phm 1).
Here at the end of Paul’s life, he has two important reasons to write Timothy. One, to personally pass the baton of ministry (2Tim 2:1-4:5). Two, encourage him to drop everything and get his tail to Rome so he can see his face one last time (v9; 2Tim 4:21). Let that sink in. Not only is the great apostle entrusting you with a critical position of leadership but he urgently wants to spend time with you in his final days.
Not Afraid to Ask for Help
“Do your best to come to me soon” (v9). This little verse speaks about the apostle. While his spiritual resume certainly puts ours to shame, he’s not afraid to ask for help. He’s not afraid to admit he’s lonely. He’s not afraid to be totally transparent.
How about you? Are you one of those folks who can’t show any weakness? Nobody sees the real you. You’re like the old line from the deodorant commercial, “Never let them see you sweat.” No matter what comes your way, you make sure you put up a front that you’ve got everything under control. There’s just one little problem. You don’t.
Ain’t Too Proud to Beg
If the Apostle Paul isn’t afraid to call 9-1-1, where do you and I get off thinking we have to handle stuff alone? Are the person in your small group who NEVER has problem? When it’s time for prayer request, you always respond with something like “I’m good” or “Too blessed to be stressed!”
Hey, I’m NOT saying you should manufacture something when life is truly good. But pull back the curtain. Let folks see the real you. Let people pray for you. Let God use others to help you. Don’t rob them of the blessing to help!
Take a lesson from Paul. He’s like Temptations. He ain’t too proud to beg! He ain’t too proud to ask for help. He ain’t too proud to call 9-1-1.
Don’t Walk…RUN!!
The apostle pleads with Tim to “do your best” (v9) to come for a visit. He uses the Greek verb σπουδαζω/spoudazo, which means to make haste, be eager, exert yourself, be diligent, work hard, or do something in a hurry and give it everything you’ve got. It emphasizes the zeal to get something done right now.
Paul’s not making a suggestion. He’s not dropping a hint. This is not some manipulative moment of passive aggression where he tells Tim, “Hey, if you get a chance.” Not even close.
Σπουδαζω/spoudazo actually comes from the root word for “foot” (Gr. πους/pous). In other words, Paul is telling the young preacher to move your feet! Beat feet, son! Hurry! Don’t walk…RUN!! From the apostle’s perspective, Tim can’t get to Rome fast enough.
Red Alert!
A little earlier in this letter, Paul encourages Timothy to be a tenacious Bible teacher and, “Do your best (Gr. σπουδαζω/spoudazo) to present yourself to God as one approved” (2Tim 2:15).
Two different times, our man Paul uses this very word when asking his friends to come see him immediately. A few verses later, he tells Tim a second time, “Do your best (Gr. σπουδαζω/spoudazo) to come before winter” (2Tim 4:21). In his letter to Titus, he writes, “When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best (Gr. σπουδαζω/spoudazo) to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there” (Titus 3:12).
Just in case Tim’s tempted to put this trip on the back burner, the apostle emphasizes the urgency. This really must happen “soon” (Gr. ταχεως/tacheos), which accents that we’re talking quickly, hastily, at once, swiftly, and with great speed.
It’s the idea of ASAP. Urgent! Red alert! Scramble! Timothy is Paul’s 9-1-1 call.
Hurry!
When Jesus shows up at her brother’s funeral, people there see a grieving Mary sprint “quickly (Gr. ταχεως/tacheos) and go out” to meet Him (Jn 11:31). In her pain, Mary didn’t mess around and wait for Christ to find her.
Paul uses this same term when describing his own travel plans. He promises the Corinthians, “I will come soon (Gr. ταχεως/tacheos), if the Lord wills” (1Cor 4:15). He writes to the Philippian church how he not only will send Timothy “soon (Gr. ταχεως/tacheos)” (Phil 2:22) and also “trusts in the Lord that shortly (Gr. ταχεως/tacheos) I myself will come also” (Phil 2:15).
Big Ideas in an Urgent Little Plea
Don’t miss the VERY big ideas Paul crams into his short but urgent little plea. First of all, nobody stands alone. Not you. Not me. Not leaders. Not followers. Not even apostles. Remember what God said to Adam? Being alone is a bad idea. Being alone is NOT God’s idea.
Second, admit when you need help. Too many of us have believed the lie that asking for assistance reveals weakness. You know the old saying, “Never let them see you sweat.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Ask for help. Use your lifeline. Make that 9-1-1 call. You certainly don’t want to be Chicken Little. But don’t soft sell your situation either.
Third, be ready to respond when someone’s alone and in trouble. ESPECIALLY when they’re alone and in trouble. Too often I’m so self-absorbed that I fail to see a friend who’s hanging by a thread. I need to get my eyes off the dude in the mirror and start looking for someone in distress. Hello, McFly!
Fourth, when I get one of those 9-1-1 calls, I need to answer. Don’t ignore it. Don’t screen your calls. Don’t let it go to voicemail. Pick up. Find out what’s going on. And when you do, “do your best” (v9) to drop everything and get there in a hurry. The paraphrase in The Message couldn’t be more blunt. “Get here as fast as you can” (v9 The Message).
Saving Your Eternal Bacon
In the end, Paul is NOT hoping Timothy will save his eternal bacon. He’s made it crystal clear in everything he’s written that his trust is in Christ and Christ alone. Paul can’t save himself. Tim can’t do it either. Salvation is Jesus’ job. Period.
In the closing moments of the apostle’s letter, he goes out of his way to make that point a couple of more times. His Savior has done it before. “But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me” (2Tim 4:17). His Savior will do it again. “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom” (2Tim 4:18).
Forsaken by the Father
Paul knows deep in his hear that because Jesus was abandoned, we never have to be. While He hung in agony on the cross just moments before His death, Christ shouted the opening line to Psalm 22 in Aramaic. “‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’” (Mt 27:46; Mk 15:34).
The brutality and physical torture Jesus experienced is impossible for most of us to wrap our heads around. It’s what makes Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” so hard to watch.
But the deepest suffering our Savior experienced wasn’t the flogging. It wasn’t the nails. It wasn’t the spear piercing His ribcage. It was the separation and abandonment of His Dad.
Once Jesus actually took on every sin we ever committed or will commit, the Father had to turn His back on His one and only Son. Jesus’ cry from the cross is one of cosmic loneliness. He was abandoned so that we never have to be.
God is ALWAYS with Us
Fast forward a few days after the Lord’s resurrection to His final words to His followers on a mountain top. After instructing His disciples to keep making disciples, Christ makes one final promise. “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt 28:20). “God with us” (Mt 1:23) is ALWAYS with us.
If you’ve placed your trust in Jesus, you’ll never be alone again. He’s with you. He’ll never ditch you. He’ll never bail on you. He’s with you ALWAYS. Don’t forget Christ came to your eternal rescue before you ever even thought of picking up the phone.
Paul holds that truth tight as he makes his 9-1-1 call to Timothy.
Great lesson Jay! You are a very talented writer - taking God's inspired, totally true Word and making it applicable to our daily lives. We see that we are not so different from those 2000 years before us. We have different distractions than they did but we are all humans with a free will given to us by our Almighty God. Hope you are well.
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