The Lord Stood With Paul (2 Tim. 4:16-17)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 9-25-02

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus:  The Lord stood with Paul

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                         Reference:  2Timothy 4:16-17

 

            Message of the verse:  “16 At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them.  17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion's mouth.”

            I have learned that Paul was probably talking about an accusation that no one stood with him at.  This was held in the Roman court system to determine if a trial was needed.  Paul said, just as Stephen and the Lord had said that God should not count it against them.

            In verse seventeen, Paul testifies that the Lord stood with Him, which He has promised to do for all of us.  “5 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,’” Paul was able to do what he was called by the Lord to do, and that is to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles, and even to the rulers of the Gentiles when he was in court.  He then says that he was delivered out of the Lion’s mouth.  This is what happened to Daniel that was recorded in Daniel 6:26-27.  Peter also spoke of Satan being a roaring lion in 1Peter 5:8.

 

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  There are two principles in these verses that I should like to remember, and take with me in the days ahead.  The first one is forgiveness, along with that knowing that the Lord is in control.  I see these in verse 16 where Paul said that it should not be counted against them.  The second principle is found in verse seventeen, and that is that the Lord is always with me, and will never leave me nor forsake me.  This is a wonderful promise when I think about never being forsaken by the Lord.  Probably the worst thing that could happen to someone is to be forsaken by the Lord, and Hebrews 13:5 says the Lord will never forsake us.  The writer quotes this from the OT.  There are probably many times when I forget this promise when I am going through times of troubles, but the promise is still true.

 

The Word of God was instructing and comforting to me today.  I saw the Lord Jesus Christ in Scripture today.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  I want to trust the Lord to show me Himself in His Word as I read it daily.  I want to forget my fears and remember that He will never leave me nor forsake me.

 

Memory verse for the week:  2Timothy 4:18

 

And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom.  To Him be glory forever and ever.  Amen!