Feeling trapped by the coronavirus isolation with a stay-at-home order these days? Read these words from 2 Timothy 2:19.
Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness."
The apostle Paul was in chains and writing to his young spiritual son Timothy who was carrying on ministry in distant Ephesus. Meanwhile Paul was quarantined in the filthy dark underground Mamertine prison in Rome. He knew his execution was near. All would seem lost as he contemplated a certain bloody death by decapitation.
But Paul puts it all in perspective spiritually. He says God’s foundation can’t be destroyed by where he was or what would happen to him. He describes the unshakable foundation of God’s promises in his life. He may have had in mind the promised New Jerusalem in heaven (cf. Rev. 21) or the Old Testament story of Korah (Nu. 16). He describes the foundation or walls of a city with something like a builder’s bronze plaque on it with these words etched in. "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness."
We may die but we are still secure as believers in Christ. Don’t give up but continue to serve Him. In due time we will be released. What a beautiful and encouraging picture to remind us of the hope believers have even though in a forced solitary confinement. We have a blessed hope continue to serve Him.
Pastor Mark
My above thought is from our Men’s Discipleship 8 AM online study on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays by Zoom. Want to join? Just go our website at the time and click on “Men’s Discipleship" and join our group.