26th October 2024

For Christ's Sake

This is a faithful saying:

For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him.

2 Timothy 2:11

The hymn “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing.” Written by Charles Wesley and originally titled “For the Anniversary Day of One’s Conversion,” the song was composed to commemorate the radical renewal sparked by his faith in Jesus. It has eighteen stanzas, proclaiming the glory of God’s goodness to those who repent and follow Christ.  

Such faith is worth of celebrating—and worth sharing. In 2 Timothy 2, Paul encourages Timothy to remain steadfast in his faith and to persevere in sharing it. He noted, “for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains” (v 9). Rather than second-guess his choices, Paul reminds Timothy to remember the good-news message: “Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel” (v 8), came not to rule but to serve and ultimately to die for the sins of the world so that we may have peace with God. Death did not win. Jesus rose from the grave.

And just as it set free those who believe, the message itself isn’t bound. “God’s word is not chained,” said Paul (v 9), not even from places where death seems to have won: prison cells, hospital beds, gravesides. In Christ, there’s hope for all people. That’s news worth celebrating! 

Bible Reading

2 Timothy 2:8-13.

Prayer

Father, thank You for saving me and giving me opportunities to share the good news with everyone. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen