The Apostle Paul writes to his protégé in the faith, Timothy: “recalling your tears, I long to see you” (2 Timothy 1:4). Penned at the end of Paul’s missionary career, this epistle is the most personal and passionate of all of Paul’s letters. The commentator Bishop Moule once said that he found it difficult to read this second epistle to Timothy “without something like a mist gathering in his eyes.”
It is likely that Paul and Timothy were together in Troas, at the home of one named Carpus, just before Paul’s final Roman imprisonment. The Roman police arrive and arrest Paul on the spot. In fact, the Apostle may have left in such a hurry that he forgets his much-needed jacket and cherished scrolls! (see 2 Timothy 4:13). But Paul didn’t forget the memory of Timothy’s tears provoked by the departure of his mentor. It may be that the pages of the Greek manuscript young Timothy held in his hands were dampened by the tears of the great Apostle . . . and by his own.
In several weeks, Mary Alice and I will depart France to relocate to the United States. We’re not retiring, we’ll just get a “retread” as we move into a new phase of life and ministry. Nevertheless, such change brings with it tears as we leave behind those we dearly love. Among those are Daniel and Isabelle Studer who came to faith in Christ during our early years in France (1985-2000). Twelve years ago, Daniel had a stroke that left him partially paralyzed. Paralyzed in body, but not in faith! Though he limps in this life he’s learned to lean into the next, awaiting the promise of a resurrected body!
This month, join us in prayer for Daniel, Isabelle, and their family as they grow through suffering, radiating Christ’s love to those around them.
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