Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.  Therefore, I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

2 Timothy 2:8 – 10

This morning I am reminded of something I too often forget – Remember Jesus Christ.  Paul is writing this in the context of understanding suffering for the sake of the Gospel.  When we encounter one obstacle after another, we have the tendency to ask a heap of questions. Why me?  Is it worth it? Is there not an easier way?  Why doesn’t God make life easier for me?  Will suffering never end?  Then, in an instant I hear a voice behind me, “Look, again, at Jesus Christ, suffering in the Garden before his Crucifixion, sweating blood!”

Then, we are on the top of a mountain of joy and peace. Praise God, that is a special gift. But it is important that we recognize that the Giver, God himself, is to be worshiped and praised. We do well to remember that Jesus walked this way. It got to the point that he cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” That is not the kind of sentiment we are used to in our walk with God. We expect nice, comfortable things from him, like making everything in our lives sweet and cozy.  Is this not our right?

Here is Paul, the great evangelist and church planter who was admired and appreciated, for instance in his successful work of bringing a new fellowship of believers together in Ephesus, a three-year endeavor, days that Timothy remembers well.  Now that great saint is chained like a criminal in a Roman jail.  The contrast is almost too much to handle.  However, it does not drive Paul into self-pity.  Rather, it set off a note of praise because Paul realized that even though he is chained, the Gospel that he preached constantly is not chained!  Jesus Christ is still lose in the world!

“Therefore,” he wrote, I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. Note – salvation and eternal glory.  That is what buoyed Paul’s heart. He did not dwell at all on his sad state. I need to learn that.