The Daily Fountain Devotional Tuesday, October 18, 2022
The Daily Fountain Devotional Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Tuesday, October 18, 2022 (St Luke the Evangelist)
TOPIC: DO THE WORK OF EVANGELIST!
TEXT: 2 Timothy 4:5-13
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. 12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. 13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
The Daily Fountain Devotional Tuesday, October 18, 2022
INTRODUCTION TEXT
Today's passage was written at the latter part of Paul's life. Paul, Timothy's father in the faith, charged his son not to be weary in discharging his duty as an evangelist. He charged him to endure afflictions (v.5), because sometimes, preaching the gospel comes with persecution which requires perseverance. Timothy's attention was drawn to the assignment given to him which was absolute proclamation of the gospel. Paul mentioned that, "he had fought a good fight... finally, there was laid up for him a crown of righteousness..." (vv.7&8). As part of this admonition, he told Timothy that he would like to see him as quickly as possible.
Probably, he wanted to discuss some other things with him which he could not write in his letter. In this same letter, Paul also mentioned some people who had played important roles in his preaching ministry such as Demas, Crescens, Titus, and even St. Luke the Evangelist whose Day we commemorate today. Luke the Evangelist was one of those who had a positive impact on Paul's ministry. Paul, testified that he was the only one with him as at the time he was writing this letter.
Brethren, the proclamation of the gospel is not an option for a Christian. You must endeavour to do the work of an evangelist in season and out of season. You should not allow the temporary enjoyment of this world to take away the work of evangelism from you. As we commemorate St. Luke's Day today, dare to be like him who stood by Paul in the face of trials and tribulations for the gospel to be propagated.
Prayer: Empower me O Lord, to do the work of Evangelist!