Remember Jesus

Dear Members and Friends of IBCZ,
This week and next I want to share some closing thoughts with you before I leave. This week I would like to refer to a simple verse of Scripture written by the Apostle Paul to Timothy – a young man Paul had mentored in the faith. They had an especially close relationship, for in II Tim. 2:1, Paul referred to Timothy as his son. Of course, Timothy was not his literal son, but his son in the faith.
II Timothy is a very personal letter, for it is actually Paul’s farewell letter to Timothy. Paul wrote this letter from a prison in Rome, and he knew that before he long he would be executed for his faith in Christ. In the midst of sharing his final thoughts and instructions, Paul wrote in II Tim. 2:1, “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David.” Then Paul added, “This is my gospel.”
More than anything, Paul’s desire for Timothy was that he remember Jesus. In the struggles of life, in the face of opposition, in the ordinary days, in the challenges of ministry, in times of celebration, at all times Paul encouraged Timothy to remember Jesus.
Remember Jesus, who has eternally existed as God the Son, yet in humility entered this world as a human being, even becoming our servant (Phil. 2:6-7). Remember Jesus, for He reveals to us the fullness of who God is and what God it like (Heb. 1:3). Remember Jesus, who through His death on the cross became the atoning sacrifice for our sin, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world (I Jn. 2:2). Remember Jesus, risen from the dead, who is the Living One, who was dead and is now alive for ever and ever, and He holds the keys to death (Rev. 1:18). Remember Jesus, who promised to be with us always (Mt. 28:20). Remember Jesus, through whom we can never be separated from the love of God (Rom. 8:39). Remember Jesus, who is preparing a place for us and will one day return so we can be with him forever (Jn. 14:2-3).
Because of who Jesus is and all He has done for us, He is the sure foundation for our lives now, and offers us the certain promise of a glorious eternity with Him. So, Paul encouraged Timothy to always remember Jesus, who would give him hope and strength in every situation.
I would like to offer those same words to you. Throughout all your days, in all of life’s circumstances, “Remember Jesus.” As you do, you will be filled with hope, encouragement, assurance, and joy.
Remembering Jesus with you,
Pastor Bob