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2 Timothy 2:1-7     New International Version (NIV)
The apostle Paul wrote this message to a young pastor he has been mentoring, named Timothy.
2 You who are like a son to me, be strong in the grace that is found in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in enduring hardship, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
 
A Daring Faith
2 Timothy 2:1-7    6/28/20

 
      On Thursday evening in the village of Ballston Spa, there was a parade that enthusiastically celebrated the graduating class of 2020.   Those proud students received a diploma, certifying they met the rigorous requirements for a well-rounded New York State education.   Many teachers, coaches and other staff shared their knowledge, skills and their life experiences with them.  
       Now the Class of 2020 “Scotties” will embark on their journeys in different directions, based on their PRIORITIES.  Some will enter the workplace, others will aim for college, and with COVID yet others will cautiously stay closer to home, perhaps doing some volunteering or traveling.  
       Young Timothy, in today’s Scripture, had also received extensive training and education – in his case, to be a pastor.  His highly qualified teacher and mentor was the Apostle Paul, who was imprisoned by King Nero and would soon be executed for not renouncing (denying) his Christian faith.  Second Timothy turned out to be Paul’s last letter, and in it he passed down some condensed, powerful spiritual guidance to his fledgling colleague.  As we explore this rich passage, I believe it will also speak into our lives and challenge us this morning. 
      The first ministry Paul prioritized was teaching God’s word. Timothy was to find a core group of reliable Christians who would read, study, learn and then pass on to others – the truths and promises found in the Bible.  These days we can each devote ourselves to doing that in our own homes.   I believe another excellent option is to read and talk about the Bible with other Christians in a small group.  That can not only hold us accountable to making this a priority, we usually gain great insights from others. 
      So… consider for a moment, how are you doing in opening your Bibles.  Or Bible apps?   If your Bible isn’t right in sight in your home, someplace accessible, I challenge you this week - to go get it and put it in your living room by your favorite chair, or on bedside stand.  Put it where it can prompt you to open it up and begin reading it.   The saying is true that the hardest part of most anything new – is just getting started!  
       I want to widen our view a bit now and share another important reason for reading our Bibles.   Author E.K Simpson says the church has a primary task, something we absolutely must do.   He says “The torch of God’s word…must be transmitted unquenched from one generation to another.”  The torch image in that quote reminds me of the Olympic tradition of carrying a lit torch across continents and countries until it reaches the central stadium for the Opening Ceremonies.  Bright lights illumine the night and exciting music plays as a single person carries the torch up a final flight of stairs.  Every eye is on them as their small light suddenly ignites a much larger fire – then the Games officially begin.  
     That image has worked its way into my heart this week.  I want to be a faithful torch carrier, reading more of God’s word and memorizing more.  Not just for my own life, but because the more I know - the better I can share my Christians faith with others.  Something that jump started that in me was reading about how my paternal grandmother Laura Malone read the entire Bible through 3 times before her 21st birthday.  No one in her home or at her church made her do that, she just kept her Bible nearby and made it her daily habit.  She was a homemaker living on a small farm and she made reading her Bible a few minutes each day her habit, her whole life long….   Isn’t that a something we all can do?
     The next image Paul used with Timothy was to “endure hardship like a good soldier”.  For many who enter the military, dedicating themselves to serving their country, it is not a job but a calling.  That identity then becomes embedded in their mind and conditioned in their body as they train, so that day or night, in uniform or not, on a mission, a base or elsewhere, they are alert and ready as a soldier.  What is Paul trying to emphasize for us as Christians here?   Isn’t it a reminder that we too should be alert and ready to serve – in church or elsewhere, on Sundays or other days of the week, any place we may be?   Is our Christian identity always within us, can it be seen in our daily lives?   
       Soldiers also train extensively so they are at their physical peak and can tolerate extreme psychological challenges.  They function as a team, obeying the voice of the commanding officer.  Their obedience can reach a point where it is “instinctive”.  I think parents develop a similar instinct.  If children are on a playground and a someone else’s child is about to fall off the slide, in may come a nearby parent to catch them.  It is automatic, a well-honed instinct to watch over and protect a little one.    
        How instinctive are we in our lives as Christians?   Do we obey God’s laws because He is our Commander-in-Chief, our rightful Leader?   Do we instinctively thank God before we eat a meal?  Do we routinely thank God for all our blessings and pray right away when there is trouble in our life?   Do we give to others gladly, and spontaneously?   How instinctive – or faltering - is our Christian obedience?
      Finally, soldiers make sacrifices for others’ sake.  They are loyal, putting others’ needs before their own.  Their commitment is unflinching, they count the cost and accept it.  And we all benefit, don’t we?  That sacrificial mindset should also be in us as Christians.  We too need to be alert to a call to duty, ready to accept an important task that is critically needed in the life of the church.  
      Lots of people love the hymn, “Here I am, Lord”, we love the sweet and lofty sound of it, but the day-in, day-out work of the church can be a humble affair.  Can you say – I am willing to make some sacrifices for God’s church?  Every church is only as strong as its own most committed people.  Our worship and our ministries thrive the fuller the commitment of the whole, and we are diminished if too many just come to church to get something out of it - but not contribute. 
      We are blessed to have many who have served and newer people recently stepping forward.  I want to wrap up with a word of gratitude for those who were “essential church workers” during COVID.   
 
     We had a “Pandemic” Leadership Team – Our Lay Leader Ruth Persons, our Chair of Church Council Ilah Walser, our Chair of Staff Parish Joyce Garlock and myself worked non-stop through every emerging challenge, making decisions on behalf of the church for the last 3 plus months.   I commend each of them for their time, wisdom and very real sacrifices. 
 
 Our Staff have all worked above and beyond their usual labors.  
  • Sue Cramer, our Office Manager, has put out a weekly Ministry Matters and a Children’s Mailing, and has juggled many more tasks than usual.   She brings humor and optimism to all her work.
  • Tom Chase, our custodian, has worked tirelessly inside and outside our church buildings and grounds.   We remain grateful for his work ethic and his easy-going nature.
  • Cathy King, our Music Director, has played in person and recorded music for us from afar.   She faithfully stays connected with the choir during this time and is always willing to do whatever can bless others. 
  • 19 people have been Caregivers, reaching out to others in our church.  They have made phone calls, sent cards and prayed for others.  They have been good listeners and encouragers, truly keeping us connected as God’s church in our time of isolation and separation.  We are asking them to continue that caring ministry.
  • Sunday greeters of all ages have joined me on the front lawn of the church to wave as people drive, bicycle, jog or walk by.   Lots of people have honked and waved, some great conversations have happened on the sidewalk, dogs on leashes got some cold water and doggie treats, and we the GIVERS – always felt very blessed in return.     
  • Mark Warner videotaped my devotionals and sermons and posted them on social media.  He has been our essential tech support.    
  • Our Food Pantry had no disruption in providing food, thanks to generous donations and new volunteers.   Melissa Taylor got a sign-up going online, Helen Senecal continued to order the food, and Melanie Babcock paid the bills and wrote Thank You’s.  Others from our church who volunteered were Alaina Grecco, Gary Wilson, Lynne Blake, Linda Sheeran...and others.
  • Those depositing and recording financial donations, and paying bills were Danielle Coffey, Carrie Sheeran, Cherrie Sanders and Lynne Blake.  
 
Now this isn’t absolutely everyone involved in some way, but most.   I thank God for your partnership in serving God and His church – FAITHFULLY.   Well done, truly well done - people of God.         

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