Mama Longings
Our ladies Bible class is studying 2 Timothy, which scholars believe was the last letter God inspired Paul to write. While Paul was in prison in Rome, he shared God’s message and his own heart with the young evangelist who had shared in his ministry. The two were in such close fellowship that Paul called him “my son,” and in 1 Timothy 1:2, “my beloved son.”
While studying 2 Timothy, we are reading other passages in the New Testament that talk about Timothy. One of these is in 1 Thessalonians 3. In this chapter, Paul talks to the Thessalonians about his being so concerned about them that he sent Timothy to them to strengthen and encourage them in their faith. He also talks about the news Timothy brought back.
- Paul tells the Thessalonians about how glad he is that Timothy has come back with good news.
He rejoices in their faith and love. (1 Thessalonians 3:6)
He rejoices that they “always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we long to see you.” (verse 6)
He tells them that now he can really live, if they stand firm in the Lord. (verse 8)
- Paul wants certain good things for the Thessalonians:
He wants God to cause their love for one another and for all people to increase and abound. (verse 12)
He wants God to establish their hearts to be without blame in holiness before Him. (verse 13)
The book of 2 Timothy was written some years later. Timothy has been a great servant in the kingdom. As a younger man he had visited the Thessalonians, encouraged them, and brought good news back to Paul. However, in 2 Timothy, Paul seems to be worried about his beloved companion. Again and again he encourages Timothy to be strong and faithful.
Paul’s heart for the Thessalonians and for Timothy are like our hearts for our children.
- We want to rejoice in our children’s faith and love.
- We want our children to think kindly of us and to long to see us just as we long to see them.
- We feel as though the only way we can really live is if they stand firm in the Lord.
- We want our children to love us, one another, their brothers and sisters in Christ, and all people more and more.
- We want our children’s hearts to be without blame in holiness before God.
- We want our children to remember what they have learned.
These are some of the reasons why you do what you do every day. Your goals are lofty and right and good — and worth every hour you spend with your children.
You, however, continue in the things
you have learned and become convinced of,
knowing from whom you have learned them,
and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings
which are able to give you the wisdom
that leads to salvation through faith
which is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:14-15