Look To the Future.

As Paul sits down to write his second letter to Timothy, we get a sense that he’s in a contemplative state. He’s in prison, knocking on death’s door, and deeply misses his pastoral apprentice, who’s become like a son to him.

“3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.” (2 Tim. 1:3-4)

As one does when death is approaching, Paul begins by reflecting. First, he takes a mental journey of sorts toward the ancestral legacy of the Jewish people.

Ancestry Investments

Paul was a Pharisee (a Jewish religious leader) before his conversion to Christ. He knew the Old Testament inside and out.

Therefore, he knew the generations of faithfulness and servanthood that his ancestors had shown. As a Jew he stems from God’s chosen people. And so as Paul gives thanks to God, he connects himself to that generational investment.

Paul has served God as his ancestors did for generations.

Perhaps you carry Jewish ancestry? If so, I’m sure you can really connect with Paul’s words here. However, let’s remember that Jesus is the connection between the Old and the New Testaments.

The Jewish Story Is Our Story

In Romans 1, Paul writes, “16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.“

This verse reminds us that salvation came to the Jew first and then to the Gentile (or non-Jewish people). As Christians, the Jewish story is our story, and it’s a story of redemption for everyone who believes.

As Christians in 2016 Western society, we carry the generational investments of faith found in the Old and New Testament.

Moreover, thousands of Christians who invested their faith through service, time, prayer, finances and the spreading of the Gospel, to bring all of us to this moment today. And we should be thinking about our investment as well.

Future Investments

Our local churches have rich histories of faith and service in our communities. But what kind of legacy are we leaving in the history books for future Christians?

What will the historical record show for us? What will the historical record show for our local churches? What impact are we making on this community for the Kingdom of Christ?

How are we adding ancestral investments of faith?

Grandparent Investments

Next Paul shifts his focus to the generational investments that Timothy has benefited from. As he offers prayers for Timothy, his mind is led towards the sincere faith of Timothy’s grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice.

“5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” (2 Tim. 1:5)

Scripture only gives us this little note regarding Timothy’s grandmother. And yet, clearly this lady left her mark. Her faith must have significant and impressed Paul on some level.

Testimony for Grandparents

Grandparents don’t discount the spiritual impact you can have on future generations. Grandma Lois made her mark and you can to.

Some grandparents invest time (and a lot of energy) in Children’s Programs within the local church to have a greater impact on your grandkids. That’s a huge generational investment of faith!

And your grandkids will remember it.

Grandparents-In-Christ

But family life is a lot different now than in Paul and Timothy’s day. Families live all over the country or all over the world in my wife and I’s case. Often grandma and grandpa live far away.

Right now, there’s a need for grandmas in nursery programs, holding babies and reading books to toddlers. Right now, there’s a need for grandpas in kids programs, using that gruff, authoritative voice to aid our teachers.

CAN I GET YOUR FEEDBACK?

Timothy had a Christian grandmother who had great faith. What investments did your grandparents make in your walk with Christ?