When Jesus encountered Lazarus' sister Martha who came to greet him, sharing the news that her brother had died, Jesus responded by offering these powerful words, "I am the resurrection and the life..." A few moments later, he asked Martha if she believed what he had just proclaimed to her. It was for Martha a moment of truth...an opportunity to take hold of the faith she had claimed prior to this moment.
Paul challenges Timothy to do the same as he writes in verse 12 of our text, "Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called..." Words of faith are often easy to say, but faith requires more than words. Paul reminded this young brother in the faith to fight the good fight of faith...to recall the faithfulness of Jesus as he stood before Pilate and to trust that God could and would empower him to live boldly for Christ.
As Jesus entered Jerusalem the Sunday before his crucifixion, there were great words of faith. He was welcomed as a king, celebrated by the crowd who cried, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" Those words of faith from Sunday became angry words of condemnation by Friday...faith requires more than words.
Today, Paul's admonition to Timothy rings in our ears as well. "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called." It isn't enough to say it...live it, take hold of the gift God has given you through Jesus Christ. "To him be honor and power forever! Amen."
Jim Abernathy
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