Alone

2 Timothy 1:15
{15} You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.

A Gallup Poll of May, 2010 shows a significant shift in American Cultural standards and is most probably a shadow of things to come in American society. The poll was a survey of 16 different behaviors or social practices and how Americans felt about them. Beginning in 2001 Gallup included questions concerning homosexual behavior in its social polling. This year’s poll reveals for the first time that that the majority of Americans do not feel that homosexual behavior is immoral. 52% of Americans accept gay or lesbian relationships as normal. Only 43% viewed such relationships as morally wrong. Opinion polls of the public at large over the last decade have shown a steady rise in the acceptance of homosexual behavior. As Western Civilization loses the influence of an orthodox Christianity we can only guess what such an opinion poll will say 20 to 30 years from now. Christians, especially Christians in America, have enjoyed the privilege of living in a culture that has been Christianized. We are now quickly moving to a culture where the majority of it citizens are ready to forget the basis of our rich heritage and are more than willing to accept the pottage of a God does not exist philosophy. Those who were once in the majority and held sway in public opinion might very well become the minority whose viewpoints are seen as irrelevant. What if everyone turned from the faith of our fathers? What if everyone else turned away and you alone were left?

Paul statement of being forsaken is sobering. Timothy knew full well the success of Paul’s ministry in Asia. In Ephesus, the location of Timothy at the writing of this Epistle, a massive spiritual awakening had taken place. Acts 19:10 gives a summation of the event, This took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. Those who turned away from Paul did not just represent a theological shift for him. For Paul it was also personal in nature. Those who had turned away from Paul were not strangers. Amazingly, Paul who was the leader or facilitator of this awakening now finds himself forsaken by those who were themselves the recipients of the blessings of his missionary work. With the passing of time Paul had moved from popular leader to shunned outcast. How do you deal with forsakenness especially when those you love or have served are the very ones you feel have forsaken you?

Although the next passage, deals with a person who lifted Paul’s spirit in his dungeon of forsakenness, I think the best indication of Paul’s strength in this area goes far beyond the scope of human assistance. People can do so many things for us, but no person can love us the way our Lord loves us. People will fail, but God’s mercies toward us are made new everyday.

In 2 Timothy we see that the Apostle has discovered a strength that reaches beyond prison. How can such a faith exist? He does not allow the present circumstances of his environment or the cruel rejections he has faced from friends dictate his future or his heart. Here is a man who places his faith in a heavenly authority which cannot be judged by the inconsistencies and failures of human support. A man who has such faith cannot be stopped. He might even be killed, but the purpose for which he has given his life will still live and breathe the message of the Gospel for generations to come.

PRAYER
Lord help me always remember that you are always with me. Teach me that I am never alone. Make me understand that when I look at my life, even when I can’t understand my circumstances, that you are in charge of every moment of my existence and every fiber of my being. Make my life count for you for you, and if necessary, make my death count for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.