In the Middle

Today’s reading is 2 Timothy 4.

What a shock! Demas, who is twice demonstrated as a faithful fellow worker of Paul’s (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 24), has abandoned Paul because he loved this present world. That goes to show how all of us are just in the middle of our journey. We don’t get to rest on past victories and previous work. Satan is attacking us every day and will count it a great triumph to take a Demas like you or me and turn us to the world. But wait! Look at Mark. All historical indications suggest this is the John Mark who abandoned Paul in Acts 13:13. Paul saw John Mark as so useless that he parted company with Barnabas over wanting to bring John Mark along on another journey (Acts 15:36-41). Yet, at the end of Paul’s life, he wants Mark to come join him because he is useful. That just goes to show we are in the middle of our journey. We don’t need to give up because of past failures and sins. God is working on us, in us, and for us every day to lift us up, bring us along, and grow us to bring glory to Him, being useful in His kingdom and service. We’re in the middle today. So is every one around us. Don’t get distracted by the past, simply press on for God’s glory today and in the future.

Tomorrow’s reading is Titus 1.