February 18 | 2 Timothy 1: 8-14

Jenny Raber
Feb 18
3 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Be One Louder

By Jenny Raber

Have you ever, when at a restaurant with a friend, leaned in and lowered your voice to share Sunday’s message or the new Bible study you started? When stopped at a red light, windows down on a hot day, have you ever turned down the volume on your worship tunes as another car approaches? When a co-worker receives difficult news, have you ever said “I’ll be thinking about you” rather than “I will pray for you?” Each day we are faced with a thousand little ways to share our faith, yet sometimes, even unbeknownst to us, we quiet down.

'So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. ‘ (v. 8)

In Paul’s final letter, he equips and encourages Timothy to be bold in his faith and to be unashamed when sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Prior to our reading, Paul writes: For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Tim. 1: 7). I love how Paul reminds Timothy, reminds us, that our power comes from the Spirit God gave us. When we find ourselves faced with opposition or ignorance about the Gospel, we take comfort in knowing that only by the power of God can we face it with boldness, tenderness, and selflessness. Paul’s complete and undeniable confidence in the power of God flips the script about suffering for the Gospel, allowing Paul to welcome suffering and to invite us to join him. And his confidence is contagious! His passion for, and trust in Christ gives me courage! Paul knows exactly what he believes:

‘[God] has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. (2 Timothy 1:9-10)

More importantly, Paul knows exactly in whom he believes: Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Paul lived life witnessing, deeply knowing, and trusting in the unconditional, eternal love and character of Christ Jesus—the One who abolished death, who created the gateway to life and immortality. Paul found perfect love and protection with Jesus. No amount or intensity of suffering could separate him from the steadfast security of Christ.

At times, I have been the recipient of snide and snarky comments about my faith; “friendly” teasing that has caused me to lower my volume. I’m so encouraged, though, by Paul’s loving and compassionate words to Timothy. In the 1984 mockumentary film This Is Spinal Tap, the guitarist of the fictional band brags that his guitar amp is better because the volume goes up to 11. While other amps only go up to 10, his is better because “it’s one louder.” When we know in whom we believe, when we entrust our hearts to Jesus, when we seek the Spirit God gave us, we plug into the source that lets us be “one louder” in the spaces where we normally keep quiet. We gracefully amplify our words and actions with contagious confidence and fully trust that we are always guarded and protected by our loving, strong, and righteous God.

PRAYER

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for Paul! Thank you for his powerful testimony about Your great grace and purpose; and for his deep knowing and love for You and Your Holy Son, Christ Jesus. Thank you for being accessible to us, for all the "good deposits" you have entrusted to us. We pray that Your Holy Spirit continues to dwell within us and helps us to be honorable and faithful to You. May we continually grow daily getting to know you so that we can always be prepared to gently and respectfully amplify to everyone the reason for the hope that we have. (1 Peter 3: 15) In Your Name, Amen!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JEN RABER

I am so grateful for the loving and welcoming community at UALC. My husband and I, along with our three (now adult) children began attending Lytham Road services around 2009. And before that, well, I’ve just loved the Bible for about as long as I can remember. I am so thrilled to be a part of the Daily Devotional Writing Team.