When someone decides to leave…

NORSK
One of the reasons why Paul wanted Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, was because of the fact that several of his co-workers had left him. Two of them  were sent on missions to other cities, but much worse was likely what Paul described in this way:

Demas left me. He loved the things of this world and has gone…
2 Tim 4:10a

It is hard when someone we love to work with in God’s kingdom receives a ‘new appointment’. We who are part of the Salvation Army, know this only too well. Yet it can’t be compared to the pain it is when someone leaves the faith. As Jesus was tested in all things, he also had to experience the pain of seeing many disciples leave him (1). His pain and uncertainty is seen in his question to the twelve remaining: “You do not want to leave too, do you?”

To observe Demas making the dramatic decision to leave the community of believers, must have influenced Paul's desire to have the faithful Timothy close to him. His loneliness is seen in the remark: “Only Luke is with me”.

The first book I published was based on the question: "What kept Luke warm, when Demas became lukewarm?" (2). The answers I found are only theories, but there is much to suggest that Luke kept the principles which are valid for growing up and being kept as a disciple also in our time.

However,  today the focus is on the fact that we need one another on the tough and difficult days. Personally, I am so grateful for all the faithful Timothies who pray for us (3), and I often find solace in the belief that I am never ever alone (4).

‘Manna' for today:

I am never alone

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(1) John 6:66-67
(2) The book "Lukewarm or Luke-warm?" is available as pdf HERE
(3) To know that someone is praying
(4) We have a cloud of witnesses around us – Hebrews 12:1

Fragmented thoughts on loneliness

NORSK
'Loneliness' is such a big topic that the thoughts I share are mere fragments (1). For some loneliness is considered a curse, while others seek it as a blessing. 

As with most things in life, we need both solitude and fellowship. Paul was no exception, and in some ways I can feel his desperation when he wrote:

Please come as soon as you can
2 Timothy 4:9

The mentor needs his disciple. It shows the importance of reciprocity. We need one another as humans, and we need one another as disciples in the mission in God's Kingdom. 

A few years ago I conducted a funeral where one of the deceased’s sons came with the following message as a last greeting to his father: “Throughout our lives, it was always you who confirmed me and my brothers, the last couple years we needed to confirm you, and I do it again: you were a good father”. 
I believe it was true and I was touched by the statement.

The letter suggests that Paul needed someone he trusted who could confirm him as he was approaching the last part of the pilgrimage. May be he needed Timothy to say: “Throughout my life, you have always confirmed me as your true son in the faith, now it is my turn to confirm you as a mentor and a true father in the faith” (2).

The feeling of loneliness is alleviated when there is someone who sees me. A glance, a good handshake or a hug can do a lot of good. No man is an island. When God the Almighty created man in His image it is a sign that we are created to have fellowship with each other and with him.

‘Manna’ for today:

I am created for fellowship with room for solitude

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(1) In light of the fact that Soren Kierkegaard used the term "Philosophical fragments" my thoughts should only be considered minor particles...
(2) See “Affirmation and accountability”