© Pcbiju
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
Proper 22
Year C
Paul’s correspondences with his young protégé Timothy sometimes leave us guessing. Why does Paul mention Timothy’s tears as something that brings him joy? Why does Paul feel the need to encourage Timothy? What was little Tim struggling with? Bible scholars are by no means uniform on what exactly was the “gift of God” Timothy received by the laying on of Paul’s hands. Why did Paul need to remind Timothy that God doesn’t impart a spirit of cowardice?
While I am admittedly no Bible scholar, I’d like to surmise on this little pastoral passage. Somewhere along the way, Paul saw a young man with a godly heart and real potential for leadership. Timothy was a man who would weep in the presence of God—at the overwhelming thought of His self-giving love in the cross of Jesus Christ. His prayers and worship were often drenched in tears, and Paul saw the Spirit of God resting on him.
But Timothy, like all of us, had weaknesses. He had stomach issues and other “frequent ailments” (1 Tim. 5:23). He was subject to discouragement, perhaps focusing too much on his own weaknesses rather than the power of God. This would explain Paul’s ongoing encouraging words and instruction to him—words that are both gentle and firm. “Timothy, God loves you, and your faith pleases Him. But there’s work to be done for the gospel.”
I’d like to focus now on the gift Paul imparted to Timothy and Paul’s exhortation. Some scholars believe this was just the gift of ordination to the presbyterate. There’s no time for exploring scholarly arguments here, but I am on the side of those who believe this was a spiritual gift imparted through the laying on of hands. Paul prayed Timothy would receive something from the Holy Spirit—a gift that would empower his ministry and advance the gospel.
So, what was it? Prophecy? Tongues? Healing? Workings of miracles? We don’t know. But we don’t need to. The passage teaches us something else: we must steward the spiritual gifts God gives to us if we want to be effective ministers of the gospel. Paul paints an image for Timothy: “Fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Tim. 1:6, NIV). That is, pour gasoline on the fire inside you! Exercise it! Take risks! Boldly use it to demonstrate the love and power of Jesus!
Maybe you believe you received a gift for healing, words of knowledge, or tongues at some point in your past. And then maybe, like Timothy, you lost interest or got discouraged. The miracles weren’t happening. The tongues of angels seemed only for the heavenly hosts. You gave a prophetic word and realized it was off base.
None of these things make you a failure. Don’t lose heart. God is gracious and patient. Instead, pick up the gift God once imparted to you. Fan it into flame! Practice it. Pray that God will reignite it. Eagerly desire the gifts (1 Cor. 12:31). God wants to give them and see them used for the spread of the glorious gospel of His Son, Jesus Christ!
– Father Cameron MacMillan is is rector of Church of the Good Shepherd in Maitland.