The responsive reading for 4 June 2023 was taken from II Timothy 1:5-14; and II Timothy 3:12-17. Below is the commentary provided with the reading.

Before he ascended, Jesus gave his disciples instructions to take the gospel message to the whole world. The objective of this great commission was, and still is, to make disciples of all nations and people. But what was to be the process for doing this?

The disciples had spent about three years with Jesus, while he taught and did the signs that only the Messiah could do. While they were largely uneducated, and often seemed to not grasp the significance of Jesus’s teachings; they were to become the foundation for the early church. 

Jesus had instructed the disciples to remain in Jerusalem until they were given the Holy Spirit. On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on them in a powerful way, forever changing them from followers to leaders. On their own they could accomplish little, but with the presence and power of God’s Holy Spirit, they initiated an unstoppable force: the Christian church. 

Throughout history and the persecution of Christians around the world, the salvation message still spreads through faithful and brave witnesses. Brave witnesses that are Spirit led and unashamed of Christ and his work to save us from sin, are God’s tools for continuing to make disciples of all nations.

In today’s responsive reading, we see the apostle Paul mentoring the younger Timothy in continuing to spread the Gospel of Christ’s salvation. It seems that Timothy, much like many of us, had become weary in diligently following the great commission. Personally, there are times when I question my witness for Christ, or rather the lack thereof, and the incumbent lack of success.

Paul wrote this letter while he was imprisoned in Rome. He likely knew that he was destined to die for the Lord, yet he saw that as gain, rather than loss. Just as Paul writes in Philippians Chapter 3, forgetting the past, but straining forward we are to run the race of life with determination.

This determination extends to our call to be witnesses for Jesus. As Christians, God calls us, just like Paul and his protege Timothy; to unashamedly proclaim the good news of salvation. We do not do this alone, nor on our own power; but with the guidance and power of God’s Holy Spirit.

The determination to do as Jesus calls us, is because we love Him. He died to take away our sins, we can do nothing less. As Jesus says in John 14: 15-17a “If you love me, you will keep my commands. And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth.”(CSB)

Paul warns Timothy that there will always be persecution. Yet, we know we are not alone to face the certain resistance and persecution from those who oppose Christ, because Jesus tells us in John 14:18, “I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you.” (CSB) 

In verse 19b – 21, Jesus goes on to say, “Because I live, you will live too. On that day you will know that I am in the Father and you are in me and I am in you. The One who hears my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him.” (CSB)

Through God’s Holy Spirit, Jesus does come to us, calling us to service, and strengthening us in adversity. Praying your week is Spirit filled with peace and joy…

© 2023 David Posival, all rights reserved.