Our Calling and God's Purpose
Do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord who saved us, and called us with a holy calling. Not in virtue of our works but in virtue of his own purpose. (II Tim. 1:8-9)
II Tim. 1, 2:22; Eph 1:18, 4:1; Phil. 3:12-14; I Pet. 3:12-15
What Is God Saying?
This letter was written by a prisoner, being held for no other reason than his faithfulness to the Gospel. It is his last letter, his final word, and it is written to one he greatly loved. One is touched by the phrase, "Come before winter." Another winter lay ahead without the books he loved, and without his son in the faith. Yet there is not a single intimation that he was pitying himself. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith," (4:9) "Henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing" (4:8). He was nearly through but he was still encouraging others. Could there be a more authentic testimony of faith? Going down; looking up. Going down; lifting others up. "Timothy, speak out for Christ, take your share of suffering for the Gospel, do it in the power of God, do it because you are saved and you are called. Your calling is holy, nothing that happens to you is accidental, you are called in virtue of God's own purpose."
How Does This Apply To Us?
Paul also speaks to us-"Don't be ashamed or afraid. You can testify and suffer, and triumph" by the "power of God who called us with a holy calling." We have a holy calling. We live out the Gospel in humble surroundings and do work that is unlikely to make the headlines, but we are important to God, and the testimony of our lives and work is important to him. We are saved for a purpose. The abundant life consists of living it out. Then, "He will grant you understanding in everything" (2:7).
Pray With Me
O Lord, I rejoice in Your purpose. I cannot understand it. Much less can I explain it, but I rest in it. I find peace in it. I find living at its best when I conform to it. When, knowing your will, I do it, life unfolds the beauty of eternal good. Your purpose is right and wise and perfect. That is why I will never be ashamed to testify to your love and goodness. That is why I rejoice in your purpose. By your purpose, I have been saved. In virtue of my works, I would never make it. I want my works to be good, even as I want the fruit of the tree to be good, but the soundness of the fruit is in the strength of the root. So, it is that the underlying purpose of an eternally wise and loving God is the secret of a fruitful Christian life.
Your purpose is the gateway to salvation. Your purpose is that life should be abundant now and forever. Your purpose is to show your holy love by rescuing me from a life without purpose. Your purpose is to give me a reason for living and confidence in dying. Your purpose is to save me. Thank you for that purpose. Your purpose is also to save me for a purpose. I have been called with a holy calling. It is not an optional extra given to some. It is Your divine intention for all. So, dear Lord, beyond salvation and as part of your purpose in salvation, help me discover the fullness of your purpose through salvation to the holiness of life. Called to be whole, pure, at peace, a blessing to others, to glorify your name, called to your side in a friendship that is transforming to me and can be transforming to others. Of that I am not ashamed to testify.
In the name of Him who carried out Your purpose for my eternal salvation. Amen.
Moving On In The Life of Prayer
Our text reminds us that we are saved for a purpose. Prayer is the way to find out what his purpose is for today, for tomorrow, and forever. In prayer, God reveals his plan, until we are left with no excuses, no avoiding, and no doubt. Prayer is "aiming at righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart" (2:22). Are we taking aim in prayer or only wandering and wondering? A lot depends on that.
