The Importance of Friends at the End

2 Timothy 4:9–11 (ESV) Do your best to come to me soon. 10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.

There is such humanness to this passage.  Paul in chains, writing a final letter for our reception as the Church of Jesus is closing out with regards to his friends.  He is lonely and isolated.  One has fallen from faith because of the world's offerings.  Others have gone to minister elsewhere.  He sent Tychicus to Ephesus.  Later he speaks of Alexander who hurt him terribly.  When he was attacked by Alexander, no one defended him.  

Paul need Timothy to come.  He and Luke are all alone.  And Paul knows the end is near.

This is the last testimony we have of Paul in scripture.  History tells us he was beheaded in Rome.  But apart from that, its a very inauspicious end to a man so powerfully used by God.  

Paul asks for three things: Friends for fellowship; A cloak for warmth; books and a parchment to occupying his time.  But twice he beacons Timothy to come.  The second time in verse 21 "Do your best to come".

We need friends.  Ministry is lonely.  Ministry is tough.  People will hurt you, attack you and leave you.  Some will not intentionally abandon you, but life and calling will simply take them away.  You're lucky if like Paul you can have a Timothy and Luke beside you till the end.  

Because we need friends, we need to be a friend.  Paul invested heavily in Luke and Timothy.  He served them and adopted them as sons and partners in the ministry.  If ever there was a reason to take time investing in others, the end of our lives is surely the best one possible.  Find yourself a Timothy and Luke and love them like crazy.  Their faces may be the last ones you see before you behold the face of Christ.

PRAYER:

Father, thank you for my friends.  I have great friends.  Friends who have stood by me for so long.  As much as I am frustrated with some aspects of life, my friends make it so much better.  I give you thanks.  There's no better gift than the gift of a friend.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen.