When we hear, ‘it’s like money in the bank’, we know we’d made a sound decision, or what is proposed is foolproof. These days, I’m not sure that people have much faith in such assurances. I sometimes wonder whether that’s how people feel about Christ’s return and our status as believers. If any of us have doubts, God’s Word assures us that we can bank on Jesus. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
2 Timothy 2:11 NIV
[11] Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him;
A Sure Thing
As Paul wrote to Timothy, we see him offering one guarantee. I don’t think that Timothy has doubts about his faith per se, but he certainly needed an assurance to share with his congregation. What an assurance he was given!
Self-Check
Does the saying resonate with us?
Application
Scholars believe that the trustworthy saying is part of a popular hymn sung in the early church. (This would be along the lines of our response to ‘Blessed Assurance’, though it is not a hymn from Jesus’ day). The lyrics were therefore well known. However, most of us know that popular lyrics do not always equate to people’s understanding. I know there were several songs that I sang in my youth where I didn’t understand the lyrics at all. Moreover, there are songs with lyrics that are a cover for crimes.
The trustworthy saying quoted by Paul seems fairly straightforward and understandable. This bit we’re reflecting on says simply, ‘If we died with Him, we also shall live with Him.’ This ‘Him’ refers to Y’shua Jesus.
To die with Jesus could refer to the physical act of baptism, where we are said to die to ourselves, emerging as a new person in Christ. I suspect that the song might have been alluding to that.
Given that Paul wrote Timothy from his Roman ‘prison cell’, I suspect he might have been exalting martyrdom. Some scholars strongly believe that Paul was encouraging Timothy along those lines. That is, he wasn’t pretending that leadership is a bed of roses. Quite the contrary! It comes with possible persecution, even from our own!
Most of us don’t currently face the kind of threat Paul and believers endured in their time. Thank God. But we also have to determine whether we are prepared to undergo some sacrifices for Christ. Sometimes, the challenges we face are quite daunting.
Paul offers us advice that’s as good as money in the bank. Actually, better than money in the bank – when we acknowledge Jesus as our Lord here on earth, He’ll acknowledge us as His children to God, and will return for us on that Great Resurrection day. I pray that when we count the cost, we will still consider it worth our while to die with and for Christ.
Point to Ponder
Are we prepared to die with Christ? May God help us live for Him today.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
