Let 'er Rip!

When You Just Can’t Wait

Sometimes you just can’t get there fast enough. You’re excited to be somewhere and everything is moving in super slomo…especially the people you’re traveling with. Once on the road, every driver decides this is the day to drive BELOW the speed limit. If that’s not all, you hit every light. Every. Single. One.

Even when you get out of the car, you’re doing that awkward run/walk. You know the one. It’s the same stiff-legged scamper you employed as a kid at the pool when the lifeguard blew the whistle and shouted, “No running!”

Maybe you’re meeting someone you love at the airport. You might be eager to see the latest new Star Wars flick. Maybe you’ve simply had a long week and work and can’t wait to start your weekend.

You let ‘er rip because you can’t get there fast enough!

Peter’s Ghostwriter

Did you know there was a day when God felt the same way? There was a day when every member of the Trinity couldn’t wait to get together. The Godhead couldn’t get there fast enough.

Mark writes all about that big day near the beginning of his bio of Jesus. Actually, there’s a good chance this is actually the Apostle Peter’s eyewitness account of Christ’s life. It’s like one of those books written by a ghostwriter. Call it Pete’s story of Jesus as told to John Mark.

The two guys certainly go back a ways. Dr. Luke describes how Pete runs to the house owned by Mark’s mom when God busts him out of jail (Acts 12:12-14). And later the apostle Jesus nicknames Rocky tells the readers of his first letter that Mark says “hey” (1Pet 5:20). But I digress.

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We pick up the action in Mark’s Gospel with Jesus’ weird bug-eating cousin John baptizing people in the Jordan River (Mk 1:4-6). Big crowds come from all over Judea and Jerusalem and line up hear him preach. They come to turn from their sin and toward God and then get baptized.

While John the Baptizer is getting all the press and trending on Twitter, he realizes that he’s only the opening act. If you think John’s baptism is something, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Just wait until Messiah takes the stage (Mk 1:7-8).

Jesus Doesn’t Play the God Card

What the Baptizer doesn’t realize is that the One he’s been waiting for is actually waiting in line. Mark tells it this way. “One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized Him in the Jordan River” (v9).

Let’s zoom out and take a wide shot of the huge crowds packing the banks of the Jordan. If you know anything about the radical Rabbi/Carpenter, you know He’s not One to play the God card like a fast pass at Disney World. You’ll never see Him throwing His heavenly weight around in order to move to the head of the line.

There’s just no way around it. Jesus is humble. He may be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords but when once He takes on human form for His spectacular rescue mission, He was a homeless Judean preacher (Lk 9:58; 2Cor 8:9). Christ even dictates a letter to the church in Laodicea that He politely knocks and waits at the front door instead simply barging in (Rev 3:20).

God Waits in Line

Stop and think about that for just a minute. God waits His turn. Jesus has left the luxury of the heavenly palace for the boondocks of Galilee. Now we see God Incarnate cueing up along the river bank like He’s making a trip to the DMV. Let that sink in.

Soon God the Spirit and God the Father will come racing to join God the Son at the Jordan River. But for just a few moments, our Savior waits in line. He waits His turn. Just imagine Jesus making small talk with other folks standing in line. Hey, where are you from? Pretty soon, they’ll know EXACTLY who He is and where He’s from.

If He waited His turn, so can I.

Obedience to the Father

Imagine the Dunker’s surprise when it’s Messiah’s turn to get in the water. Matthew tells us John and Jesus got into a little argument. “John tried to talk Him out of it. ‘I am the one who needs to be baptized by You’” (Mt 3:14). Awkward!

The Son of God tells His crazy fur-wearing cousin baptism is critical to the plan His Dad has for Him, “For we must carry out all that God requires” (Mt 3:15). Did the sinless Lamb of God need to be baptized? Probably not.

The Cosmic Rescue Mission

But Jesus knew it was His Father’s will that this was more than that. You see, the Lord has an assignment. A very important assignment. He came on His cosmic rescue mission to do for us what we could never do for ourselves.

He’s our substitute. Christ lives the perfectly obedient life we fail to live. He dies the death for our sin and rebellion we should have died. He rises to the glorious new life we don’t deserve. He does it all for us! As our substitute, He follows every command of God in our place. That includes baptism.

The Water’s Fine!

Three years later, our Savior dots the “I” and crosses the “T” on baptism just before He heads home to heaven. “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you” (Mt 28:19-20).

Mind if I ask you a question? Have you been baptized? If you’re a follower of Jesus and you have yet to get wet, why not? Sure, baptism doesn’t save anybody. It’s an outward sign of an inward change. But Jesus told us to. And He was willing to do it Himself. Come on in. The water’s fine!

Putting the Pedal to the Metal

Meanwhile back at the Jordan River, Mark picks up the story with the Lord coming back to the surface. “As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on Him like a dove” (v10). Christ may have been willing to wait in line, but the Spirit can’t wait to get there.

Here’s a little something we miss in this particular translation. The folks with the NLT decide not to use a word (Gr. ευθυς/euthos) which appears here in the original Greek. It means immediately, right away, or at once.

After Jesus patiently waits His turn in line, suddenly the pace picks up when He comes up out of the water. This is a classic example of how Mark’s bio of the Son of God is fast and furious. He wastes no time in telling Christ’s story. Once again, he puts the pedal to the metal.

Slicing the Sky to Shreds

In this case, it’s the Spirit of God who let’s it rip! No, seriously. That’s exactly how the author describes it. He uses a word (Gr. σχιζω/schizo) which paints a picture of ripping something into parts, tearing in two, or slicing into shreds.

The Apostle John uses this word at Christ’s crucifixion. Instead of tearing apart Jesus’ tunic when He died, His executioners decided to shoot craps for it. Winner take all (Jn 19:24). When Paul and Barnabas tell the folks in Iconium about Jesus, Luke describes how the Gospel tears the town apart (Acts 14:4).

A Tear at the Temple

God’s not above ripping things up at important points in history. He tears the massive curtain in the temple separating the Holy of Holies (Mt 27:51; Mk 15:38; Lk 23:45). How do we know God did it? The 15-foot tall heavy drapes tore from top to bottom. Why? Jesus’ death allows every one of us access to God’s presence.

Here’s another time when God tears things apart. The Holy Spirit slices apart the sky so He can get there in a hurry. It’s a big day in the life of one His two closest Friends. The Third Person of the Godhead pulls apart the barrier between heaven and earth to make a beeline.

It’s time for God to let ‘er rip! He can’t get there fast enough!

Look, up in the sky! It’s a Bird!

All four of Jesus’ biographers describe the Spirit’s arrival looking like a descending dove (Mt 3:16; Mk 1:10; Lk 3:22; Jn 1:32). Why this particular kind of bird? I gotta be honest. I have no idea. God in spirit form is invisible (Jn 4:24). But this is one of few times He makes Himself visible. The other is at Pentecost when He makes the scene in the upper room “like flames or tongues of fire” (Acts 2:2).

The Spirit zooms down to the Son for a few very important reasons. A Trinity Partner, He just had to be there. There are no greater and closer Friends than the three Members of the Godhead. Since God made us in His image (Gen 1:28), we’re made to be in relationship with others.

The Spirit and the Son

The Spirit will be an invaluable source of divine strength to Jesus during His three years of ministry. The Son of God empties Himself before coming to our rescue (Phil 2:6). While we don’t know exactly what that means, most likely He set aside access to His supernatural qualities.

The Spirit of God would fill the Son of God as He takes on human form in His role as the God Man (Mt 4:1; Lk 4:1). They would team up to demonstrate what it’s like for the Third Person of the Trinity would lead, guide, and direct someone (Jn 16:13; Rom 8:14; Gal 5:18; Eph 5:18).

Finally, God told John the Baptizer to keep his eyes peeled for the Holy Spirit. This would be the heavenly sign of approval of on the long awaited Hero (Jn 1:33-34). The cosmic combo of Spirit and Son would his signal to the prophet that this was Messiah.

Here Comes the Father!

If things weren’t crazy enough along the Jordan River at this point, check out what happens next. “And a voice from heaven said, ‘You are My dearly loved Son, and You bring Me great joy’” (v11).

You don’t think two Members of the Godhead are going to show up without the third! God the Father hustles to be there for His Son’s big day too. Maybe the Spirit’s split of the sky allows Jesus’ heavenly Dad to see what’s happening and for everyone to hear His voice.

The Great Dance

What a great reminder of the passionate friendship among the Father, Son, and Spirit. They give us the perfect picture of what intimate relationship looks like. Three Persons. One God. Three Whos. One What. Each One of them is absolutely and fully God. NOT three gods. Yeah, kind of makes your head hurt.

Together they are not just the Holy Trinity but, in the words of C.S. Lewis, the Wholly Trinity. He also described their amazing relationship as the Great Dance. Insert joke here about Southern Baptists and dancing!

The Eternal Friendship

If you think the concept of the Trinity makes your head hurt, just think about this quote from Tim Keller. “There was never a time in which friendship was not, because from all eternity, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were delighting in each other.” Even before Creation, there was friendship. Because God made us in His relational image, loneliness is never a good thing.

John the Baptizer and the big crowd crammed along the Jordan are privileged to see and hear the Father, Son, and Spirit bust a move. Jesus soaking wet. Spirit soaring down. Dad shouting out. Three Persons. One God. One great big party!

God let’s ‘er rip! He can’t get there fast enough!

The Ultimate Attaboy

The Heavenly Father gives His Son the ultimate Attaboy! “You are My dearly loved Son, and You bring Me great joy” (v11). He couldn’t be any more proud of His one and only Child. Dad doesn’t just love His Son, He likes Him. He REALLY, REALLY likes Him!

When we unpack this phrase in the original language, we see the Greek word ευδοκεω/eudokeo. It means to give pleasure and delight. It comes from a compound word which means “good (Gr. ευ-/eu-) thoughts (Gr. -δοκεω/-dokeo).” When the Father thinks of His Son, there’s nothing but pride and joy.

Jesus’ First Day on the Job

Notice that Jesus has yet to start His three-year ministry. This is pretty much His first day on the job. There’s a lot to do. People to heal. Sermons to preach. Miracles to perform. Disciples to choose. Crosses to bear. Death to defeat.

But here on Day One, all that is in the future. Yet He is His Dad’s approval. This moment of supernatural pride and joy has NOTHING to do with His performance. It has everything to do with the Father’s love.

Daddy Issues

Jesus is the only person in the history of the planet who did NOT have “daddy issues.” Let’s be honest. We’ve all got them. You. Me. Us. Them. Somehow, someway, our fathers left us hanging.

In his book Wild at Heart, John Eldredge calls it the “father wound.” Every little boy desperately needs his father’s approval. Am I really a man? Have I got what it takes…when it counts? Am I powerful? Every girl needs to know from her dad that she is lovely, that he will pursue her, that he will fight for her.

The Perfect Dad

Jesus’ perfect Dad gives Him the approval we all crave. And the Son of God didn’t have to DO anything to earn it. His Heavenly Dad loved Him long before He stepped out into ministry.

Pardon me while we chase an important rabbit down the trail. If you’re parent, let your child know you love them and you’re proud of them…NO MATTER WHAT! Your approval of them shouldn’t be conditional. And for those of us with “daddy issues,” forgive your father right here, right now. He’s not perfect. There’s only one Dad who is.

The Son Is Our Substitute

For those of us who think we’ll never measure up to Jesus’ stature in the eyes of Father God, there’s good news. Better yet, Good News. He came to give us the joyful approval of our Heavenly Dad. And we don’t have to do a dad-gum thing to receive it.

Christ came to live the perfect life of obedience to the Father’s commands that we’ve failed to live. He dies the brutal death for our sin and rebellion that we should have died. He rises to a spectacular new life that we certainly do not deserve.

When we simply place our trust in Who Jesus is and what He’s done, something supernatural happens. God the Spirit races to live inside us. Our trust in God’s goodness brings our Heavenly Father great joy. When God becomes our perfect Dad, He perfectly heals our “father wound.”

What’s Really Going on

Once we trust in Jesus, the Father sees His one and only Son when He looks at you and me. Chances are we won’t actually see Him tear the heavens apart. We probably won’t see His Spirit descending like a dove. We may not hear our Heavenly Dad shout His approval.

But, trust me. It happens. He’s crazy about you.

God let’s ‘er rip because He can’t get here fast enough!

©2017
Jay Jennings

Jesus' Opening Act

The Warmup Act

Most concerts have at least one opening act. Usually you have to sit through 45 minutes of some unknown up-and-comer before the performer you paid your money to see hits the stage. You give them polite applause but you while you check your watch. You can bet the farm that the warmup act hopes to be a headliner one day.

That was NOT the case for Jesus’ opening act. In the opening chapter of Mark’s Gospel, we meet John the Baptizer (Mk 1:4-8). He understood his place in the pecking order. John’s goal was never to have his name at the top of the bill. All he wanted was to get people ready for the real Headliner.

Peter’s Ghostwriter

Let’s back up just a bit for a little context. God is using a man named Mark to write a fast and furious bio of Jesus for a mostly Roman audience. Folks a lot smarter than me believe the author has an impeccable source for his material. We’re talking about Peter. Yeah, THAT Peter. The Apostle Peter.

While Mark gets the credit, he’s really a ghostwriter for the legendary leader of Jesus’ crew. So as we read the document we call the Book of Mark, put yourself in Pete’s sandals. You’re witnessing the story of Christ through the eyes and ears of the hotheaded commercial fisherman from Galilee.

Holy Road Construction

Mark uses the opening lines of his Gospel to broadly describe the holy road construction needed before Messiah arrives (Mk 1:1-3). Before Christ gets here, someone’s coming to prepare His way. There’s an opening act who will get everybody ready.

The writer then gets specific and reveals the identity of the one who took the stage just before Jesus. “This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven” (v4).

This is Mark’s way of introducing Jesus’ opening act. Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for John the Baptizer! 

It Runs in the Family

Without naming names, prophets like Malachi and Isaiah have hinted about the opener for centuries (Mal 3:1; Is 40:3-5; Mk 1:1-3). Jesus Himself compares John to the one and only Elijah (Mt 11:14; 17:10-13; Mk 9:11-13).

Dr. Luke tells us that Jesus and John are related. Cousins maybe. You see, their mothers are kin (Lk 1:36). The two boys actually met before they were born (Lk 1:41)! I guess you could say they were in adjoining wombs. Okay, maybe not.

The Rabbi/Carpenter from Nazareth goes out of His way say John is the greatest person who’s ever been born (Mt 11:11). Coming from the Son of God, that’s kind of a big deal.

Rocking the Wilderness

John’s not appearing at a huge stadium, large arena, or even the local amphitheater. “He was in the wilderness” (v4). No, this isn’t the name of a trendy new outdoor venue. He’s in the desert. He’s rocking the Judean wilderness somewhere near Jerusalem. That’s because this isn’t about the where but the Who and what of his message.

Mark tells us that the location doesn’t stop the crowds from coming. “All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John” (v5). Big crowds. Long lines. The prophet packs them in.

A Trunk Load of Churchy Baggage

In order to get folks ready for Messiah, John doesn’t tickle the ears and tell people what they want to hear. He tells them what they need to hear. He “preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven” (v4).

What they needed was to repent. What they needed was to turn from their sin and turn toward God. Repent. Boy, talk about a word that’s fully loaded with a trunk load of churchy baggage! For many of us, it conjures of memories of angry evangelists in three-piece polyester suits trying to scare us away from hell and into heaven.

Doing a 180

But let’s take a closer look at the word the writers of the New Testament use. “Repent” is a Greek word (μετανοια/metanoia) which means a turning around, about face, change of direction. It’s making a U-turn. Doing a 180.

It’s actually a compound word that literally means “after (Gr. μετα-/meta-) thinking (Gr. -νοια/-noia).” Repentance paints a picture of a correction of direction after reconsideration. It’s when we turn ourselves around. Maybe the Hokey Pokey IS what’s all about!

A Radical Change

In preparation for the coming of the Son of God, John the Baptizer makes folks aware of who exactly is on the way. His love. His mercy. His grace. His holiness. As a result, many make a radical change of heart which results in a radical change of life.

Once we understand who God is and what He expects from us, we think again. God’s Holy Spirit flips on the light bulb in our head and heart. We pull a U-ey. We turn FROM our own selfishness. We turn TOWARD the forgiveness only found in Christ.

The First Southern Baptist?

It’s about this time you can see how Jesus’ cousin earns the nickname John the Baptist. “All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River” (v5).

Don’t freak out. I understand why some of you might start to squirm when you see that description. I grew up in a Southern Baptist church. As our friends in recovery like to say, the first step to getting help is admitting you have a problem.

No, John’s not the founder of the Southern Baptists. His title has nothing to with a denomination and everything to do with dunking. Mark uses a Greek word we translate here as “baptized” (Gr. βαπτισμα/baptisma), which means submersion or going completely under.

Overwhelmed by God

One ancient writer uses this word to describe a sinking ship. Let’s be clear. I don’t think God really cares whether you’re sprinkled, dive headfirst, or soaked by a firehose. But can’t we all agree Jack and Rose weren’t exactly sprinkled after the Titanic hit that iceberg?

The best way to understand the idea behind baptism is something that completely and absolutely overwhelms. John’s message totally engulfs his audience in the love and grace of God. The result was a permanent change that prepped people to meet Messiah.

A Weird Wardrobe and Wacky Diet

Suddenly Mark drops in a crazy little commentary on John’s weird wardrobe and wacky diet. “His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and honey” (v6).

It’s pretty clear that John the Dunker wasn’t exactly into fashion and food. He was all about function. I’m pretty sure you won’t find clothes made from camel hair at Abercrombie & Fitch. And “locusts and honey”? We’re talking a seriously paleo diet!

NOT the Star of the Show

It’s at this point that John wants to make it clear that he’s NOT the star of the show. He’s only the opening act. The REAL Headliner is yet to come!

“John announced: ‘Someone is coming soon who is greater that I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of His sandals” (v7).

This reminds me of the scene from “Wayne’s World” when Wayne and Garth are blown away meeting Alice Cooper. They drop to their knees and shout, “We’re not worthy! We’re not worthy!”

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Let’s cut to the chase. Put yourself in John’s sandals. It would be so easy to get the big head and begin to believe you’re a pretty big deal at this point. Have you seen the traffic coming out of Jerusalem? Check out the long lines for baptism! He’s trending on Twitter!!

But the Dunker refuses to be fooled by the massive crowds coming out of the city to see him. For those of you who think he’s hot stuff, just you wait. John doesn’t think he’s even good enough to help the Star of the show take off His shoes.

Getting in the King’s Grill

Don’t make the mistake of thinking he was some sort of self-deprecating shrinking violet. The guy had the guts to poke his finger in Herod Antipas’ chest and when he started shacking up with his brother’s wife (Mk 6:16-20). While this sounds like an episode of “The Real Housewives of Jerusalem,” getting in the king’s grill cost John his head (Mk 6:21-29).

The One on the Way

The Baptizer knew his role was to point people to the One coming from heaven. This is the long-awaited Savior God had promised for thousands of years. The Snake Killer (Gen 3:17). God’s Blessing to and through Abraham (Gen 12:1-3; 13:14-17; 15:5-5; 17:2-8). David’s Undying Descendant (2Sam 7:8-16).

All throughout the Old Testament, God drops some incredible hints about the Hero who was on the way. The coming Christ is THE Point of OT. Are there cool stories in these ancient documents? You betcha. But the big idea is the arrival of the Second Person of the Trinity.

Making Jesus Famous

With Messiah just about to take the stage, John’s job is to get everybody ready. Don’t mistake him for the headliner. If you think he’s something, just you wait.

In many ways, God calls Christ followers to be like the Dunker. Our job is not to be the star of the show. Our job is to point to Jesus. Our job is to make Him famous. So just politely step out of the spotlight as soon as you can.

The Jams of Air Jordan

John says his baptism may be pretty cool, but it’s nothing compared to the what the Son of God is about to do. “I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” (v8). Getting drenched in the Jordan to symbolize turning from sin is sweet. But just wait until you’ve been overwhelmed by God’s Spirit!!

What’s the difference between John’s and Christ’s baptisms? Let’s see if this helps. Remember back when the NBA Slam Dunk Competition was still cool? The contest was the highlight of All-Star Weekend.

It always looked like Dominique Wilkins and Clyde Drexler were unbeatable. The crowd went crazy when the Human Highlight Reel and the Glyde rattled the rims.  That was until Michael Jordan cleared himself for launch from the free throw line. They don’t call him Air Jordan for nothing.

Forgiveness for the Past, Power for the Future

In the same way, you might think the Dunker had serious skills until you saw Jesus jam. John’s baptism only took care of the sins of our past. Jesus brings a baptism that preps us for the future with the power of the Spirit!

For Mark, John, and the folks in the lining up along the Jordan, Jesus’ baptism of the Holy Spirit is still to come. Dr. Luke writes all about the time it first happened just after the Lord headed home to heaven (Acts 2:1-4).

The Slam Dunk of Salvation

Since that crazy day at Pentecost, Jesus has been baptizing every one of His followers with the Spirit of God. Paul tells the Corinthians that each believer’s body is actually a temple for the Holy Spirit (1Cor 6:19).

God’s overwhelming message leads to the slam dunk of salvation! I guess you could say Jesus is the undisputed champ of the eternal dunk competition.

So What Do WE Do?

So what in the world does what Mark has to say about John the Dunker have to do with you and me? For Pete’s sake, I don’t even wear sandals.

If you don’t mind, allow me to ask a few questions? Have we repented? Have we done a 180 from our selfishness and turned to the grace of God?

Have we confessed our sin to others? Jesus’ kid brother James says it’s really important to have a group of friends we can tell about what we’ve done wrong (James 5:16).

We need to remember that repentance and confession aren’t a one-and-done kinda thing. No, we don’t need to run to the front of the church each time the preacher offers the Gospel. But it’s a great idea to stay in a continual attitude of turning from sin and telling others we trust all about it.

Jesus Loves You More than Momma

If I’ve turned to Jesus, I can be sure He’s baptized me in His Spirit. Just because I don’t feel overwhelmed doesn’t mean He hasn’t. The Third Member of the Godhead will not only give you faithfulness you didn’t think you had but will constantly remind you about the One who loves you more than your own momma.

Know Our Role

Finally, John gives a great example of knowing our role. He realizes he’s not the headliner. He’s not the star of the show. Over in the Gospel of John (not THAT John, but one of Jesus’ apostles), the Dunker goes so far as to say his rep must reduce while Jesus’ glory gets greater and greater (Jn 3:30).

Rick Warren is right. The opening line in The Purpose Driven Life reads, “It’s not about you.” It’s not about me. It’s not about the Dunker. It’s ALL about Jesus.

Like John, we’re only the opening act.

©2017
Jay Jennings

Holy Road Construction

Road Construction Ahead

I hate road construction. Hey, I’m a guy. When I’m behind the wheel, it’s all about making good time. It’s all about getting from Point A to Point B. That being the case, I can’t stand seeing those pesky orange barrels and signs that say “Road Construction Ahead.”

When I grumble as I slow down, that’s when my wife reminds me of just how great the road will be when it’s done. The DOT will transform a crowded, crooked, two-lane blacktop into smooth, wide, six-lane highway. Short term pain for long term gain. 

Mark begins his biography of Jesus with a report of holy road construction. He backs up in the story of the Son of God to describe highway conditions before the Messiah arrives. Our author introduces to the dude whom Christ personally selected to run this critical transportation project. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

The Fab Four

Flip to the opening lines of Mark’s story of Jesus, one of the Fab Four of the New Testament Gospels. It’s right after Matthew and just before Luke and John. If you’re like me (and if you are, I’ll certainly pray for you!), you’re probably wondering why there are not one but FOUR bios off the radical Rabbi/Carpenter in the Bible.

It seems that each of these authors are writing to different audiences. Matthew has Jewish folks in mind. Luke hopes to appeal to Greek speakers. John throws the doors wide open to everybody with a closer look at what trusting in Jesus looks like.

The Fast and the Furious

Which brings us to Mark. He’s writing to Romans. And just like 21st Century Americans, Romans love them some action. This Gospel is not for the faint of heart. It’s action packed. Mark moves at breakneck speed. Think the Fast and the Furious. Buckle up, buttercup.

Things are going to change dramatically when Christ arrives. That’s why the author says, “This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God” (v1). Jesus’ arrival is Good News. His message is Good News. And by “Good News,” Mark means GREAT NEWS!!!

Jesus’ Swan Dive into Sin

The Son of God left the luxurious comforts of the heavenly palace to make a swan dive into the dumpster of sin. Our sin. Your sin. My sin. He came to live the life of perfect obedience we failed to live. He came to die the brutal death we should have died. He came to rise to a glorious new life we don’t deserve.

He came to do for us what we could never dream of doing for ourselves. See, I told you this Good News! And it doesn’t stop there. Jesus comes to not only save us but lead us. We have the privilege of following the loving leadership of our Lord. His commands act as glorious guardrails to keep us out of the ditch and on the road to what He calls the abundant life (Jn 10:10).

Before the Green Flag Drops

Before we strap in and put the hammer down, we need to make serious road improvements. Smooth pavement. No potholes. Straighten out the curves. That’s why Mark rewinds the story just a bit to show us the work needed to be done before the green flag drops on the story of Son of God.

As a matter of fact, Mark zips all the way back to the Old Testament for perspective. “It began just as the prophet Isaiah had written” (v1-2). Despite popular belief, the story of Jesus doesn’t start when you get to the New Testament. Every bit of the Hebrew Bible, the part Jesus’ followers have renamed the Old Testament, is a preview of the One who is to come.

The Big Hero of the Big Story

That’s because the Bible is one Big Story with one Big Hero. That Hero is Christ Jesus. God promises He will send Someone to the rescue from the moment our first parents trash His perfect creation (Gen 3:15). Throughout the story, He gives us pictures, predictions, and prophecies of the coming Messiah.

A series of prophets play an important part in predicting Jesus’ arrival. Mark specifically mentions Isaiah here in his opening lines. That makes sense. Isaiah is a heavyweight when it comes to prophets. The OT document bearing his name talks so much about the Hero coming from heaven that some folks refer to it as the fifth Gospel.

Prophetic Predictions

But actually, Mark drops a quick quote first from Malachi, one of the lesser known of God’s spokespersons. “Look, I am sending My messenger ahead of You, and he will prepare Your way” (v2; Mal 3:1). Get this. Malachi wrote his 450 years before Jesus! God used him to not only to correctly predict Messiah but His advance man too!

Mark pairs that prophecy with a legendary line from Isaiah written around 700 BC. “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the LORD’s coming! Clear the road for Him!’” (v3). This messenger gets on the loudspeaker in the middle of the chaos for a very important announcement. Get everything ready! God is coming! Drop what you’re doing and start fixing the roads!!

Isaiah’s original prophecy gets a little more specific about what needs to be done to the highways before Messiah makes it here. “Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places. Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all the people will see together. The LORD has spoken!” (Is 40:4-5).

Getting Ready for Royalty

Back in the day, local residents would get everything ready for the arrival of royalty. A big part of the preps would be improvements to the local roads. You wouldn’t want the king’s motorcade hitting potholes on the way into your town. It was one way of making the ruler feel welcome.

You still see this sort of thing today. Anytime a city or region hosts a large event like the Super Bowl or the Olympics, they make loads of improvements, especially to the local infrastructure. They fix local roads. They build new ones. The last thing you want is out-of-town guests frustrated by traffic and gridlock.

Practical Application…of Asphalt?

So what does this mean for you and me? Is God calling us to put on an orange vest,  and run a steamroller as part of a DOT crew? Is Mark telling me that the practical application of this passage is the very practical application of asphalt along a local highway?

Let’s remember what the author is talking about. This is all about prepping for the arrival of Jesus and the Good News. We’ll see in the next few verses that this advance man was Jesus’ weird, bug eating cousin known as John the Baptizer (Mk 1:4-8). His job was to get folks ready to meet the Son of God and His amazing message of grace.

Jesus + Nothing = Everything

How can we pave the way for the Good News to move quickly in the lives of those around us? It’s really pretty simple. We need to remove every obstacle that will get in the way of meeting Jesus. Is there something that might get in the way? If so, clear the road.

Our problem is that many of us come from religious traditions that seem to add a lot of extra stuff to following Jesus. We really need to remember that sharing the Good News shouldn’t be like adding bonus materials to the blu-ray. As one pastor likes to say, Jesus + Nothing = Everything. Adding anything destroys the formula. Jesus + Anything = Nothing.

Clearing the Road

The Gospel isn’t about my preferred style of doing church. Not music style. Not preaching style. Not clothing style. Not architectural style. Any of those things can become barriers to someone who needs to meet our Savior.

This is a big deal because the Good News can be tough to swallow. People do NOT like to hear how badly they need help. They make the fatal mistake of believing they fix their lives. Both Paul and Peter realized that the Gospel could be a huge stumbling block for many people (Rom 9:33; 1Cor 1:23; 1Pet 2:8).

Since that’s the case, get everything else that doesn’t matter out of the way. “Prepare the way for the LORD’s coming! Clear the road for Him!” (v3). Take a look around. What’s in the way of people you know meeting Jesus. We all probably need to do a little holy road construction.

©2017
Jay Jennings

Gracious Last Words

“The Lord be with you in spirit. Grace be with you” (2Tim 4:22).

Signature Sign Off
Ever know somebody with signature sign off? You know, a little catch phrase they use to say “goodbye.”

Looney Tunes always end with “That’s all, folks! Bob Barker closed “The Price Is Right” for years with, “Have your pet spayed or neutered.” Legendary newscaster Walter Cronkite signed off by saying, “And that’s the way it is.” And you’ve gotta love Ron Burgundy’s “Stay classy, San Diego.”

Grace on the Green Mile
Did you know that Paul had signature sign off too? Sure did. Oh, he varies it just a bit from letter to letter. But he ends each note by pointing back to God’s amazing grace.

His very last letter is no different. As the apostle writes to Timothy from Death Row in Rome, he doesn’t disappoint when he signs off. “The Lord be with you in spirit. Grace be with you” (v22). Who expected to find grace on the Green Mile?

After writing 13 documents that we now include in the New Testament, these are the very last strokes of Paul’s pen before his execution. Think about that for just moment. Very. Last. Words. His famous last words are gracious last words.

Getting to the Good Stuff
I don’t know about you, but I’m tempted to blow right past the opening and closing verses in many books of the Bible. Get past the blah-blah-blah. I want to get to the good stuff! What if this IS the good stuff?!?

But here’s what I always have to remember. If God’s Spirit has inspired each and every writer of Scripture (2Tim 3:16), then He has every bit of it there for a reason. That includes these opening and closing lines. Is it possible that they hold the key to unlocking the entire message of God’s Word?

Passing the Torch
Before we dig into what Paul’s writing, let’s zoom out to see why Paul’s writing. The year is 67 AD. The place is Rome. Specifically the Mamertine Prison. Better known as Caesar’s SuperMax. It’s the cellblock reserved for condemned prisoners.

The apostle knows he’s going to die and die soon (2Tim 4:6-7). He writes to a young pastor named Timothy he considers his spiritual son (2Tim 1:2). Paul fires off one last letter with two purposes. First, he’s passing the torch of ministry (2Tim 2:1-4:5). Second, he begs for one final visit (2Tim 4:9, 21).

Paul’s Sign Off
Which brings us to his sign off. “The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you” (v22). Paul reminds his protege that Jesus is always with him in order to lead him. He reminds Tim of the God’s amazing gift that none of us deserve. In other words, we can trust in Christ’s leadership because of the overwhelming goodness of all He’s already done for us.

Check out Paul’s signature close in every one of his notes. Grace drips off the page in each one. Yup. That’s right. Every single epistle (Rom 16:20; 1Cor 16:23; 2Cor 13:14; Gal 6:18; Eph 6:24; Phil 4:23; Col 4:18; 1Th 5:28; 2Th 3:18; 1Tim 6:21; 2Tim 4:22; Titus 3:15; Phm 25).

Gracious last words.

The Grace Sandwich
It only makes sense, really. Paul kicks off every letter with greetings of grace (Rom 1:7; 1Cor 1:3; 2Cor 1:2; Gal 1:3; Eph 1:2; Phil 1:2; Col 1:2; 1Th 1:1; 2Th 2; 1Tim 1:2; 2Tim 1:2; Titus 1:4; Phm 3). Grace at the open. Grace at the close. Think of the apostle’s letters as a delicious Grace Sandwich.

I’m pretty sure we can all learn a little lesson from the apostle formerly known as Saul. No matter what we have to say to someone, let’s wrap it in grace. Start with grace. End with grace. Talk about speaking the truth in love! It’s impossible to beat someone over the head with a 20-pound study Bible while marveling at the mind-blowing generosity of our great giving God!

The Promise of Jesus’ Presence
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Let’s back up to the first half of Paul’s two-part sign off. “The Lord be with you in your spirit” (22). The apostle reminds Tim of the powerful promise of Jesus’ presence.

Sixteen times in this little letter, the man from Tarsus refers to the resurrected Rabbi/Carpenter from Nazareth as the Lord. We find five of those are right here in the final chapter. If you’re curious, this is the important Greek noun κυριος/kurios, which means master, boss, or leader.

Buying Fire Insurance
This title speaks directly to Jesus’ authority. He’s not just my Savior. He’s also my Lord. He’s come from the luxury of the heavenly palace to our rescue by diving into the dumpster of our sin.

Jesus lived the perfect life I failed to live. He died the death I should have died. He rose to the new life I don’t deserve. He trades His perfection for my rebellion (2Cor 5:21). He transforms me from an enemy of God with my picture on a heavenly wanted poster to a child of God with my name listed in the divine will (Rom 5:8-10; Col 1:21-22).

If I’m willing to place my trust in His overwhelming goodness as my Savior, why would I not trust Him to be the Leader of the my life as my Lord? Let me try this another way. We can’t just buy His fire insurance without submitting to His authority. We can’t have one without the other. When we place our trust in Jesus, we place our trust in the total package.

24/7/365
Paul wants Tim to realize that our Lord’s leadership is available 24/7/365. He’s always right there. That’s how Jesus earned the Hebrew nickname of “Immanuel” which means God is always with us (Is 7:14; Mt 1:23). Just before He headed home to heaven, the Son of God wanted His followers to never forget, “I am with you always” (Mt 28:20).

For years I thought Christ was some cosmic killjoy looking to make sure I avoided fun at any cost. Following Jesus means wiping that smile off my face and kissing good times goodbye. I thought submitting to His commands was becoming a religious rule-follower that had all the excitement of eating my Brussels sprouts. (I apologize to anyone out there who really likes these disgusting little veggies.)

God’s Guardrails
What I’ve come to understand is that my Lord leads me out of His love. His commands don’t steal my joy but are the true source of my joy! Jesus tells folks to stop working so hard to earn God’s approval. Instead, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Mt 11:29-30).

Following His guidance is the key to unlocking God’s tsunami of blessing into our lives. It’s the whole reason Christ came. Satan is undoubtedly out to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus’ mission was to lead us into the overflowing and overwhelming life of God’s goodness (Jn 10:10).

Think of our Lord’s leadership as God’s guardrails which keep us safe. It’s His way of keeping us out of trouble. It’s His way of saving us from ourselves. I don’t know about you but I’ve made a hot mess out of my life too many times by ignoring His commands. I had to learn this lesson the hard way. I hope you don’t make the same mistake.

Paul Gets Personal
As he has done through a huge chunk of this letter, the apostle gets personal. When he writes, “The Lord be with you in spirit” (v22), Paul’s actually writing just to Timothy. The “you” here is actually singular. It’s a little something something we miss in our English Bibles.

His point? Jesus promises His personal presence to Tim and each one of us who place our trust in who He is and what He’s done. Actually, a slightly better translation of this sentence might be “the Lord IS with you in spirit” (v22). Paul is making a statement. He’s stating a fact.

This Time It’s Personal
The apostle reminds the young pastor of a truth we ALL need to hang onto. My Leader is right here by my side every stope of the way. Every follower of Jesus has has a PERSONAL relationship with the Son of God. Not just preachers. Not just professional Christians. You. Me. Us. Them.

Yeah, I know. Too many times it certainly feels like the Lord is nowhere near me. Not in the same zip code. Not even in the same area code. Just because I don’t feel His presence doesn’t mean He’s not there. Just ask a couple of His followers who hoofed it back to Emmaus after His crucifixion (Lk 24:13-35).

Jesus’ direct involvement in our eternal rescue is a game changer. I can be sure that God loves me. And this time it’s personal.

His Grace Is with Y’all
Which brings us to the second half of Paul’s two-part sign off. “Grace be with you” (v22). This time the apostle uses a “you” (Gr. υμων/umon) which is plural. While this may be a VERY personal note to Timothy, Paul wrote it with the expectation that everybody would hear it.

This letter may have Tim’s name on the envelope but the message was to be read to the entire church in Ephesus. While the “you” may be plural here, Paul is once again stating a very singular fact. A VERY important fact. Grace IS with you all. The Lord is with you. His grace is with y’all.

These are gracious last words.

Grace Breaks Free
Grace. THE most scandalous idea in the entire Bible. Let’s be honest we’ve done our best to tame this beast over the past couple of thousand years. We’ve attempted to domesticate grace by reducing it the name of our quick “thanks God for the food” prayers before we eat.

But we can’t stop grace. We can’t even hope to contain it. God’s grace will eventually snap the chains like King Kong in captivity. It must run free. No matter how hard we try, grace can’t be kept in captivity.

Our Great Giver
Jesus used Paul to release His grace on the Gentile world for 30-plus years. The apostle has loved telling everyone who listens all about it. Each time he does, the man from Tarsus uses a Greek word (Gr. χαρις/charis) which describes goodwill, favor, kindness, benefit, blessing, or simply an unearned or undeserved gift.

Grace is a quality that adds delight and pleasure wherever it goes. As marvelous as it is, grace places the focus on the overwhelming goodness of the giver. And in this case, The Giver is God!

Paul’s Big Point
There’s probably no better description of God’s overwhelming goodness toward you and me than what Paul has to say in his letter to his Ephesian friends. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not the result of works, so that that no one may boast” (Eph 2:8:-9).

The apostle’s big point is that God’s grace is absolutely essential. Why? I can’t rescue myself. Self-salvation is totally impossible. You and I are incapable of following the rules in order to earn God’s favor. Hey, if Paul couldn’t pull it off, what shot do we have?

One-Way Love
Remember what I said about how grace focuses on the goodness of our Great Giving God? Paul Zahl says it this way. “Grace is a love that has nothing to do with you, the beloved. It has everything and only to do with the Lover.”

In his book Grace in Practice, he goes on to say, “Grace is love that seeks you out when you have nothing to give in return. Grace is love coming at you that has nothing to do with you. Grace is being loved when you are unlovable…Grace is one-way love.”

Starting to see what makes grace so amazing?

The Unobligated Giver
Tullian Tchividjian puts it this way. “Grace doesn’t make demands. It just gives. And from our vantage point, it always gives to the wrong person…Grace is a divine vulgarity that stands caution on its head. It refuses to play it safe and lay it up. Grace is recklessly generous, uncomfortably promiscuous…Grace is unconditional acceptance given to an undeserving person by an unobligated giver.”

Just in case we miss his big point, let’s remind ourselves of who he’s talking about. You and I are those undeserving persons. God is the Unobligated Giver. We’re recipients of His descending one-way love. He has refused to play it safe. He has throne caution to the wind.

Transforming Grace
That’s the big idea behind Paul’s signature sign off. Grace. Love toward us that’s recklessly generous and uncomfortably promiscuous. It’s turned the apostle’s life upside down (or better yet, rightside up!). Grace transformed him from a murderer of Jesus’ followers to a missionary with a message.

Here’s how Paul describes it. “For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain” (1Cor 15:9-10).

Paul Signs Off
That’s the reason he signs off every single time by mentioning the grace of God. And there’s no better time to than as his pen strokes the page here for the very last time.

Gracious last words.

©2017 Jay Jennings

Winter Is Coming

“Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers” (2Tim 4:20-21).

Game of Thrones

All cards on the table. I’ve never watched or read “Game of Thrones.” But since the medieval franchise is unavoidable, I couldn’t help but think of one of the show’s famous lines when reading the end of Paul’s last letter to Timothy.

Winter is coming.

A quick Google search tells me this line is from the very first episode of GoT. It’s the motto of the House of Stark. It has everything to do with warning of coming danger. It has little to do with the weather forecast.

Paul the Prisoner

As we flip over from HBO to the New Testament, we find Paul in prison (2Tim 1:8, 16; 2:9). Sitting in the dark dungeon of Rome’s Mamertine Prison, he fully realizes his execution date is right around the corner (2Tim 4:6-7).

Lots of people a whole lot smarter than me think the apostle is writing to Timothy during the fall of 67 AD. For the man Jesus used to compose a huge chunk of what we call the New Testament, these are some of his very last words of his very last letter.

Paul picks up his pen this final time for a pair of purposes. First of all, he’s passing the torch of ministry to the young pastor in Ephesus (2Tim 2:1-4:5). Second, he pleads his spiritual son to hurry and see him one last time (2Tim 4:9, 21). Why?

Winter is coming.

An Update on the Old Crew

As the apostle signs off in these final sentences, he lets Tim know what some of the old crew is up to. “Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who as ill, at Miletus” (v20). They were all members of Paul’s travel team back in the day. Timothy will certainly appreciate the latest on his friends.

Tim and Erastus are boys. They knew each other well. They’ve been on the road as a dynamic duo for Jesus. During his three-year stay in Ephesus on his second tour, Paul taps these two members of his team for a trip to Europe. “And having sent into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while” (Acts 19:22).

Sharing the Load

What a great reminder that God doesn’t expect us to be a one-man band when serving our Savior. Paul trusted the Lord to work through guys like Tim and Erastus. The whole deal didn’t hang on his apostolic shoulders.

How about you? Do you share the responsibilities of the mission with others? Or do you have the mistaken belief that nobody but you has what it takes to share the Gospel and love folks like you? If so, get over yourself. Ministry is a team sport.

Rich Corinthian History

In this last letter to Timothy, the apostle gives Erastus last known location as Corinth. Ah yes, Corinth. It’s the infamous port city just south of Athens on the southern tip of what we know today as Greece. I’m not sure about leather, but there is a rich Corinthian history in Scripture.

Paul hit Corinth on that same second expedition (Acts 18:1). It’s where he met the power couple of Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:2). Jesus uses these three to reach many Corinthians with His message of grace (Acts 18:8) and plant an important church there.

Off the Rails

But after the apostle eases on down the road, the church in Corinth goes off the rails. Paul ends up writing them several letters to try and get them back on track. Two of them, what we’ve labeled 1st and 2nd Corinthians, give us a glimpse inside one very jacked up congregation.

So what does Corinth have to do with Erastus? So glad you asked. Near the end of his letter to believers in Rome, the apostle tells us that the Big E holds a job in city government. “Erastus, the city treasurer” sends his best to the Roman followers of Jesus (Rom 16:33).

This would explain why he “remained at Corinth” (20). Because Erastus lived and worked there. The word the ESV translates as “remained” (Gr. μενω/meno) means to abide, stay, live, dwell, or permanently endure. Clearly Corinth is his home.

Perfectly Positioned by God

Paul’s description of Erastus situation is a subtle reminder that we don’t have to leave our jobs in order to follow Jesus. Becoming a disciple doesn’t mean an automatic call to become a pastor. That’s the apostle’s point when he tells believers in Corinth to stay just where they are (1Cor 7:20).

Before we start filling out our seminary application, we’d probably better slow our roll. There’s a pretty good chance God has positioned you perfectly in the marketplace to shine His light and spread His salt. Being missional means being a missionary right where you are.

Just as Erastus remained in Corinth, our default should be to remain right where we are. If you’re in a job that requires you to compromise your faith in Christ, that’s a different story. More often than not, we need to hold our spot and let the Holy Spirit open our eyes to the opportunities where we already are.

A Disciple on the Disabled List

Next Paul mentions one member of his team who’s on the disabled list. “I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus” (v20). There are few things worse than getting sick when traveling. If that’s happened to you, let’s just say the T Man feels your pain.

Trophimus is a good buddy of Tychicus. He’s the guy who Paul sends to Ephesus, probably delivering this very letter Tim is reading (2Tim 4:12). Dr. Luke describes these two as “the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus” (Acts 20:4). This means he is from somewhere in Asia Minor, better known today as Turkey.

Trophimus from Ephesus

Later in Acts, the good doctor gets a little more specific about this guy’s hometown when he calls him “Trophimus the Ephesian” (Acts 21:29). Did you know he’s the reason Paul’s Jewish opposition flies off the handle in Jerusalem. They freak out when they think the apostle broke the rules by bringing this Gentile into a Jews only part of the temple.

This results in a huge riot at the temple that lands Paul in Roman custody for a grand total of five years (Acts 21:30-34). During his incarceration, he uses this time to write letters to churches in Ephesus, Colossae, Philippi, as well as his buddy Philemon.

Too Sick to Travel

While we don’t know the exact diagnosis of Trophimus’ sickness, the apostle makes it clear that he’s too sick to travel. Paul uses a Greek verb translated as “ill” (Gr. ασθενεω/astheneo) means to be weak, be sick, incapacitated, unable, or feeble. It literally means “no strength” or “not strong.”

That being the case, the apostle has to leave him in Miletus. This is a small seaport on the west coast of Asia Minor, just about 63 miles south of Ephesus. On his way back to Jerusalem on his third tour, Paul made a quick stop in Miletus for an emotional meeting with the elders of the Ephesian church (Acts 20:17-38).

Visiting the Sick

Trophimus may well have been traveling with Paul just prior to his arrest. Many signs point to that going down in Troas, which is just up the coast. That’s where the apostle left his coat, his Bible, and other important papers at Carpus’ house (2Tim 4:13).

If Trophimus is sick in Miletus, he would be close enough for Timothy to reach out to him from Ephesus. Pastor Tim could love on his old friend just as Jesus tells the Twelve. Remember, when we take the time to visit the sick, we’re also worshiping our Savior (Mt 25:36).

Paul’s Power to Heal

Whatever was going on, Trophimus wasn’t strong enough to leave town. So Paul left him behind. But wait just a New York minute. Didn’t God give the apostle the power to heal? For Pete’s sake, he raised Eutychus from the dead after he fell asleep and fell out a window during Paul’s midnight message in Troas (Acts 20:7-12).

Folks even used pieces of clothing that Paul touched to cure what ailed them (Acts 19:12). After the big shipwreck on Malta, he healed the father of a local powerbroker as well as many other residents (Acts 28:8-9).

Disease in Our Broken World

But there were clearly limits on his supernatural healing abilities. Epaphroditus nearly died when he visited Paul in prison (Phil 2:25-30). Don’t forget how he tells Timothy to take a few sips of merlot for his intestinal issues (1Tim 5:23). And Paul couldn’t heal himself when he had health problems (Gal 4:13-15; 2Cor 12:7-10).

What’s the takeaway? People get sick. We need to remember that we live in a fallen and broken world (and we’re the ones who broke it!). Sickness, disease, and disability are a very sad reality.

Good Men in Poor Health

While the Holy Spirit gives the power to heal (1Cor 12:9), it’s God’s call on when and where He allows it to be used. The great preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon boldly stated, “It is the will of God that some good men should be in poor health.”

Should we ask the Great Physician to heal those who are sick? You betcha! Regularly. Confidently. But He won’t heal everyone on this side of eternity. Many of us won’t experience the ultimate cure until we ditch this earth suit for one of those spectacular resurrection bodies!

A Plea So Nice Paul Makes It Twice

After important updates on a couple of team members, Paul makes one final plea. “Do your best to come before winter” (v21). This is the SECOND time the apostle begs Tim to come see him before it’s too late. Just a few verses before, he writes, “Do your best to come to me soon” (2Tim 4:9). Let’s just say the man from Tarsus is anything but unclear.

Winter is coming.

The apostle pleads with Tim to “do your best” (v21) and get to Rome immediately. He uses the verb σπουδαζω/spoudazo, which describes making haste, being eager, exerting yourself, doing something in a hurry, and giving it everything you’ve got. It emphasizes the zeal to get something done right now.

Beat Feet!

Paul’s not being passive aggressive and saying, “Hey dude, if you have the time.” He’s not making a suggestion or dropping a hint. Not even close. His cards are on the table. Not once. But twice.

The root of σπουδαζω/spoudazo ισ actually the Greek term for “foot” (Gr. πους/pous). In other words, Paul is telling the young preacher to move your feet! Hurry! Don’t walk…RUN!! From the apostle’s perspective, Tim can’t get to Rome fast enough. Why?

Winter is coming.

Winter Travel Advisory

Instead of issuing some veiled warning like Lord Stark in “Game of Thrones,” the apostle is simply looking at the calendar as well as his impending execution. He desperately wants to see Timothy before he dies and before nasty winter weather makes travel on the Mediterranean almost impossible.

Winter is coming.

Paul knows sailing that time of year can be hazardous to your health. He no doubt has vivid memories of that nasty shipwreck on Malta a few years back during a winter voyage (Acts 28:9-44). While he REALLY wants to see Tim, the apostle doesn’t want his protege taking ridiculous chances in the process.

Winter is coming.

Don’t Drag Your Feet

With the mercury dropping, Paul has already asked Timothy to swing Troas on grab the coat he left with Carpus (2Tim 13). As if sitting in the cold, damp dungeon of the Mamertine Prison wasn’t bad enough, winter temps in Rome are only in the mid forties.

Winter is coming.

But the most urgent fact is the apostle knows his date with the executioner is right around the corner. If Tim drags his feet, he won’t make it in time. History is a bit fuzzy on the exact date of Paul’s death. It’s sometime between the time he sent this letter in the autumn of 67 AD and spring of 68 AD. He no doubt died before Nero committed suicide in June 68.

Winter is coming.

When the Door Is Cracked and Closing

There are some opportunities that come with a very tight limitations. The door is cracked open ever so slightly…and it may well be closing. That’s what Timothy is looking at. It’s what we often face. Many times, I need to move and I need to move now. The clock is ticking.

Winter is coming.

Here’s the painful truth, no decision IS a decision. Sure, sometimes we need to wait. Sometimes we have to wait. But we need to realize there are also critical moments when we’ve gotta go and we’ve gotta go NOW! We can’t be victims of paralysis by analysis. There are times when the clock is ticking. Don’t. Miss. Your. Chance.

Winter is coming.

Tim’s Friends Say “Hey”

After telling Tim to beat feet before it’s too late, he quickly passes along a “hello” from a few more friends. “Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers” (v21). Where really not sure who they are or why they get a random mention near the end of the letter. They’re clearly in Rome and close to both Paul and Tim.

Eubulus’ name is Greek and means the wise decision or smart choice. To speculate any further would be stupid (see what I did there?). It’s the only time we find his name in Scripture. Same for Pudens, Linus, and Claudia.

These last three folks all have Latin (i.e. Roman) names. There’s a little evidence that Pudens might be some sort of power player in politics, possibly a senator or the son of one. Some folks believe he was also a buddy of Peter who also baptized him. There’s a belief he was also executed by Nero about the same time as Paul.

Two Men and a Lady

There’s no indication that this particular Linus carried a blanket, sucked his thumb, and knew Charlie Brown. The early church leaders Irenaeus and Eusebius both mention him as an important follower of Jesus. He apparently was a big dog (possibly the first bishop/overseer) among Roman believers.

Claudia is the only lady in Paul’s last list. Some scholars seem to think she and our boy Pudens eventually become husband and wife. If so, there reason Paul does not link There are a few shreds of evidence suggesting she was born a Briton and into some level of privilege.

Whatever the case, these folks put their lives on the line for Paul and the cause of Christ at a time when it was deadly to do so. A follower of Jesus was an enemy of the state. While American culture is clearly no longer Christian, calling what we face as persecution is just a bit of a stretch.

The Long Range Forecast

Our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world can certainly identify with Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, and the others. For them, winter is already here.

You can be sure that Paul never watched “Game of Thrones.” But there’s little doubt he would agree with the fictitious Lord Stark. Winter is coming. Timothy needed to hurry. Death was around the corner. However, the apostle also knew the long range forecast.

Winter may be coming. But you can take this to the bank. Jesus IS coming back.

©2017 Jay Jennings