Re: Verse reading – 1 Timothy 1:1-19 (day six)
“As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines”–v 3.
I wonder how Timothy felt when Paul told him? “I need to go, but I want you to stay.” Ephesus had never been an easy church to pastor. The task must have sounded IMPOSSIBLE to young Timothy without Paul. But God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. Over the next years Timothy would learn much about pastoring, and about the perseverance that is required. He would deepen and develop as a leader. Some people come and then go from our lives. We are thankful for them, even for the brief moments of their influence and encouragement. Others leave when things get difficult, when it isn’t fun anymore. Not much help there. Other people come and STAY! We are MOST thankful for them. “Stay people” God sends.