Blessed Assurance Jesus is Mine

Reflections on 2Timothy 2:1-14

“This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.” 2Timothy 2:11-13

In every denominational church that I have attended, everyone sings hymns. Some hymns are familiar to me, others are not; some I have never heard before. Why is this so? Shouldn’t all churches sing the same ones, no matter where you attend? The answer to these questions is the reason why we sing hymns at all. Answer: Many years ago, most people could not read. Therefore, they could not read the Bible and needed to rely on those who could, to tell them what the Bible said. So, some pretty wise leaders in the church started to write music, because even though people couldn’t read; they could sing. So, music, especially in the Sunday School’s, taught the truths of the Bible through song.

Try this experiment the next time you are in a gathering of church people which go to different denominational churches: Ask them, what Sunday School songs they can remember. There will be some you recognize and many you will not. Why, different? Because each church has its own way of expressing the faith, reflecting the culture from the Old Country they migrated. What is the main theme that holds all people in the Christian church no matter where you attend? Jesus Christ is Lord, who lived, died and rose for you; so, you may have eternal life. For hundreds of years, people have been singing the Gospel message in this manner.

Timothy was a young man when Paul established a Christian church in Ephesus. He learned from this apostle first-hand of what Jesus Christ did for him. Paul left Timothy to keep growing this church, while he left to establish other churches. In time, Timothy needed advice from Paul, because trouble arose among the believers. Some teachers were casting doubts among the people and they doubted that Jesus could do what was promised for eternal life. So, this part of scripture, (that we are considering) was a hymn to keep people focused on God’s love for them. When we die with him, we live with him. Enduring hardships means we will reign with him. In denying him, he denies us. If you lose faith in him, he will not lose faith in you. Because he is connected to us, he cannot deny himself.

The next time you see situations in life that cause you to doubt what God is doing, just remember he is working hard to correct everything that the evil one has raised havoc in this world. Continue to embrace the love God gives to you, no matter in what frustrating form it may take. Continue to sing, and now that most of us can read, read the promise of God through the Bible. For his work through Jesus, empowered by his Holy Spirit transforms the lives of all people; to live with him eternally.

Dear Lord, I sing your praises in my heart always. As I study your word, may it take deeper roots in my soul. Help me to help others to sing your praises always, until we sing in your presence in the Heavenly place. Amen.