Friday, July 31, 2015
Acts 4:1-4 Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek. And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem.
TIMOTHY: FROM TEEN TO TEACHER
A "responsible teenager" is what parents generally hope and pray for, but is often not the case. As a young adult matures and grows, choices and influences determine a great deal about their life and future (i.e. what friends they hang out, what places they go, what media they watch and listen to, or their level of activity in and with the Word of God). The Apostle Paul knew and encouraged Timothy in a letter saying, "I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also" (2 Timothy 1:5).
We aren't sure how old Timothy was when Christ began to use him along with Paul, but Timothy taught us the joy we can have in telling others about the Savior. Although we may never travel to foreign countries like he did, we can begin our mission work right in our own homes and neighborhoods. We should always be prepared to share the news that anyone who believes that Jesus died for them and forgave all of their sins will one day be rewarded with a real prize: an eternity in heaven. That is why Jesus told us to go everywhere and to make disciples (followers or students) of all nations! "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation" (Mark 16:15).
Young Timothy was trained by love, To share God's message from above.
A teen who loved his Savior dear. He spread God's Word both far and near.
They loved their Savior; sang His praise.
They worshiped Him through-out their days.
For thankful champions they could be,
Since Jesus won the victory!
("God's Champions" by Renold Kremer. Copyright (C) 2001 Kremer Publications. Used with Permission.)
