It is said that early in the Revolutionary War, George
Washington sent one of his officers to requisition horses from the local
landowners. Calling at an old country mansion, the officer was received by the
elderly mistress of the house. “Madam, I have come to claim your horses in the
name of the government,” he began. “On whose orders?” demanded the woman
sternly. “On the orders of General George Washington, the Commander in Chief of
the American Army,” replied the officer. The old lady smiled. “You go back and
tell General George Washington that his mother says he cannot have her horses.”
Now, whether it’s administering justice or mercy, the job of
a mother is never-ending. In fact, it’s striking to see how frequently the Lord
refers to Himself through maternal images. (See Ruth 2:12, Psalm 91:4, Matthew
23:37, Hosea 13:8, Deuteronomy 32:10-11, Isaiah 42:14, Isaiah 49:15, Isaiah
66:13). Even the name El-Shaddai speaks of a God who possesses the nurturing
features of a mother. In fact, such godly images are often reflected in some of
the most important biblical characters we know, like Paul.
When you come to Paul’s second letter to Timothy, you come
to a letter that’s been described by many as the most intimate, tender letter
that Paul ever writes. Some say this is because Paul’s heart is drawn to
Timothy like no other human being. Others say it’s because he’s about to be
executed in Rome (his third imprisonment), and he’s full of nostalgia. Others
say that Paul is an old man (66), and like many older men he’s getting a little
more emotional in his old age. And while there may be some credibility to some
of these views, what’s most obvious from Paul’s words is that Timothy is in
distress. Timothy’s mentor and guide is facing impending death. Several years earlier
Timothy had been thrust into a position he would never have chosen on his own.
He now has his own ministry independent of Paul’s presence and assistance, and
he’s full of self-doubt. So what does Paul do? Does he excoriate him? Does he
tell him to buck up and play the man? Does he use himself as an example of what
real suffering looks like? No, actually he offers some of the most tender,
insightful counsel found in Scripture.
Years ago I preached out of Sunday’s text, II Timothy 1:1-7,
a message entitled “Mother Paul”. This Mother’s Day we revisit the same text
and see many fresh insights in a message entitled “The Marks of a Godly
Mother.” In preparation for Sunday’s study you may wish to consider the
following:
1.
Re-read Proverbs 22:1-6.
2.
What is the writer saying about how to raise a
child? (v. 6)
3.
Read I Timothy 4:12. How much younger is Timothy
than Paul?
4.
How old was Timothy when he was converted in
Lystra?
5.
What does Paul mean when he says he has a clear
conscience? (v. 3)
6.
What is the connection between Timothy’s tears
and Paul’s joy?
7.
Why does Paul cite Timothy’s mother and
grandmother? (v. 5)
8.
What do you think are the nature of Paul’s
prayers in verse 3?
9.
How do you see Paul pointing to the sovereign
providence of God here?
10. What
is the goal of Christian parenthood?
See you Sunday! Happy Mother’s Day!
