READ: 2 Timothy 4 (Focus vs. 9-13)
MEMORY VERSE
“When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.” 2 Timothy 4:13
BACKGROUND
I recently learned that the name “CARE” package came from the acronym for “Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe,” a group that sent boxes of food to help Europeans displaced during World War II.
While the care packages I send my kids at college are mostly filled with homemade treats and candy, they usually include a few practical items—a favorite shirt forgotten at home or extra school supplies.
While the name “care package” may be modern, the practice of sending helpful items is far older. It’s even tucked away at the end of 2 Timothy. Writing while imprisoned in Rome, Paul concluded his letter to his trusted disciple with some personal requests.
He asked that Timothy come and bring Mark to help him (4:11). Then he requested some personal items: his cloak and his “scrolls, especially the parchments” (v. 13). Perhaps the cloak was needed because winter was coming, and maybe the scrolls contained copies of the Old Testament.
Whatever the reason, Paul longed for companionship and practical items to refresh and encourage him.
Tangible reminders of care, whether the recipient lives near or far, can have a significant impact on someone in need of a little encouragement.
The gift of a meal for a neighbor, a thoughtful card written to a loved one or acquaintance, or a package full of goodies sent to a faraway friend can extend God’s love in practical ways.
Lisa M. Samra
INSIGHT
The unfortunate reality of Paul’s requests to Timothy for his support and care (2 Timothy 4:9-13) is that he’d experienced attack from an enemy and desertion from those whom he trusted.
He writes that “Alexander the metalworker did [him] a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done” (v. 14). He then follows that with a statement of desertion: “At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me” (v. 16).
Being alone, the apostle was very much in need of support, care, and encouragement. But with his time drawing short (v. 6), history is silent as to whether Timothy and Mark arrived in time to come to his aid before his execution took place.
Today, we can ask God to show us how we can be an encouragement to others in tangible ways as a reminder of God’s love.
Bill Crowder
APPLICATION
When did you receive a reminder of God’s love? How did that kindness encourage you?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“Tangible reminders of care, whether the recipient lives near or far, can have a significant impact on someone in need of a little encouragement.”
PR’s TAKE
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 esv
“There Is Always Someone (out there) Who Cares For You Without Your Knowledge.” Anonymous
“Care is the sweetest form of love…” Anonymous
PRAYER
“Heavenly Father, please open my eyes to see who I might show Your love to.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“SHARING IS CARING” Gracie’s Corner
Let’s share
Sharing is caring for others
Share with me and I’ll share with you
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Sharing is caring for others
Because it is the right thing to do.
It’s not always easy
To give away your favorite things. (oh, no no no)
However, you’ll feel better
When you see all the joy it brings.
Here is a lesson to learn
When you play with others
Please share and take turns.
I’ll share with you (yeah)
You’ll share with me (yeah)
No matter what
Living life so happily.
Sharing is caring for others
Share with me and I’ll share with you
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Sharing is caring for others
Because it is the right thing to do.
I’ll share with you…
Sharing is caring for others
Because it is the right thing to do.
Everybody say
Let’s share, yes let’s share
Share…
