Torchbearers: The Light of God’s Word in Perilous Times

by John Juneman

If we knew our days here on this earth were short, what would we want to share and with whom would we want to share it? This is the atmosphere of Paul’s final written words to his beloved son, Timothy. Composed and sent from the dark, cold lower chamber of Rome’s maximum-security prison, awaiting execution, Paul not only encourages Timothy but also strongly admonishes him. Like a father placing his hands on his son’s shoulders and looking him straight in the eye, Paul lovingly and firmly speaks about the things that truly matter. In 2 Timothy chapters 3 and 4, he passionately urges his son to remain singularly focused on Jesus Christ and His Word. He warns Timothy that “perilous times” will come in which there will be distraction from the truth of the Word and an attempt to replace it with a “form of godliness.” But it is His Word that is needed more than ever as Jesus reveals Himself and sanctifies us through it. This is the torch that Paul has carried for these years . . . the fight he has fought, the race he has run, and the faith he has kept. Now it was Timothy’s turn to be the torchbearer for his day, to allow the light of Jesus and His Word to shine brightly through him for those who would come next. Who will take up the torch in the perilous times we now face? Who will be the torchbearers for our day?

Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2022