God Is Always There.

Near the end of 2 Timothy 4, Paul writes to Timothy about a time in His life when he was completely deserted. At a moment where his very life was held in the balance, no one came to his defence.

And yet, God and God alone stood in the gap came to Paul’s defence and rescued him.

“16 At my first defence, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.“

“And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.“

Paul’s First Defence

No one showed up to support Paul at his first defence. Everyone had deserted him. But what really happened at that defence? Thankfully, we actually have an account written in Acts 25 and 26:

“23 The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high-ranking military officers and the prominent men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.” (Acts 25:23)

“24 Festus said: ‘King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer.” (Acts 25:24)

“25 I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him.” (Acts 25:25-26a)

“Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write. 27 For I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him.’” (Acts 25:26b-27)

Then the first verse of the next chapter we read:

“1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘You have permission to speak for yourself.’ So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defence:” (Acts 26:1)

The Lord Was There

Paul went into that first defence knowing that his life could be over. Then suddenly, he has an opportunity to publicly share the Gospel in front of high-ranking military officers, prominent members of the community and even royalty.

Then, in his letter to Timothy, God leads Paul to recall this first defense to teach Timothy (and in turn, teach the church). There is a key lesson here for us: When we’re deserted, when no one is there to support us, the Lord is always there.

Moreover, Paul writes, “May it not be held against them.” When someone deserts us, we don’t need to hold it against them because the Lord remains by our side.

Even if people are calling for our execution for spreading the Gospel, our lives are in the Lord’s hands. Just like Paul, until our Gospel-work is complete, the Lord will be our defence.

CAN I GET YOUR FEEDBACK?

All over the world, Christians are put on trial, deserted with no one to support them. Why do you think God allows His children to face these trials?