“Be diligent to come to me quickly; for
Demas has forsaken me, having loved this
present world, and has departed for
Thessalonica” (2 Timothy 4:9-10 NKJV).
Occasionally over the years of travel I have found myself unexpectedly alone in strange places. I have known of others also who were in similar circumstance, by themselves with limited knowledge and resources for dealing with unfamiliar situations.
Once I had to leave a companion behind at a foreign airport, because the correct papers for flying back into the United States had not been filed.
On another occasion a friend spent more than a week trying to deal with customs issues. More commonly I have traveled alone spending several days en route without company.
It would not be difficult, nor perhaps inappropriate, to read a little human despair or discouragement into the words of Paul as he described his lonely state.
Imprisoned in Rome, under sentence of death, left by his most trusted associates, he pled with Timothy to hurry to him.
Yes, Luke was there, so he was not totally abandoned, but even late in his life Paul had goals yet to accomplish and time was running short. He needed help–not just human companionship, but fellow laborers who could assist him in his important work. Hence his appeal to Timothy.
It is often observed that humans are social creatures.
From creation it has not been good for us to be alone (Genesis 2:18). Even Jesus could express the feeling of abandonment.
His most poignant words on the cross were “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). However one may interpret the meaning and purpose of that cry, it serves to illustrate the human need for help.
Thankfully, help is assured to all who are in Christ.
“For where two or three are gathered
together in my name, I am there in the midst
of them” (Matthew 18:20).
“If God is for us, who can be against us”
(Romans 8:31)?
God’s help is certain, and he will not abandon us. Nothing can separate us from his love in Christ (Romans 8:38-39). We cannot go anywhere that he does not see and hear us (Psalm 139:7-12).
We cannot ask for anything which he is not able to provide (Ephesians 3:20).
As vital and true as it is that we trust in God’s ever- present help, this does not diminish the value and need of human assistance as well. At least part of the reason for the establishment of the Church is to provide fellowship in work, worship, and all of the challenges of life.
Christians are not asked to resist Satan alone. Nor are we expected to do the work of Christ by ourselves. Help is provided. Paul described the process by which the Church can succeed:
“But, speaking the truth in love, may grow
up in all things into Him who is the head–
Christ–from whom the whole body, joined
and knit together by what every joint
supplies, according to the effective working
by which every part does its share, causes
growth of the body for the edifying of
itself in love” (Ephesians 4:15-16).
The church, and every member within it, is brought to maturity and completion by mutual effort. What each one does helps support and encourage every other person.
None are insignificant.