The beginning and the end

How soon life moves on, one minute we are excited about Christmas in the Advent season with all the preparations and travelling that would take place. Then in no time at all Christmas is here with the carol services, celebrations, presents, Christmas dinner and decorations. Then suddenly it seems, here we are right in the midst of a new year with the planning of things happening, perhaps holidays to book, business trips to arrange and all the meetings and preparation for just running life itself. New terms at school, maybe new jobs or career moves, or child care arrangements to work out.

Why, you may ask, have we “Alpha and Omega”, “The beginning and the end”, at the top of the page? Well, the other day I was drawn to the Apostle Paul’s second letter to Timothy in the New Testament. Now this letter was the last letter Paul wrote; he was in prison in Rome and within a couple of years was executed under Emperor Nero.

So it is the beginning of a new year for us and here we have the end of Paul’s letter writing and instructions.

The interesting thing is, in this letter he reveals his heart and his priorities of sound doctrine, steadfast faith and enduring love. Paul was giving final instructions and encouragement to Timothy, the young pastor of the church at Ephesus.

It is as though Paul could be writing to us today as he tells us to keep our eyes and minds focused on Christ, keeping to the truth, using our gifts with boldness and being reminded of what is important.

Read 2 Timothy and find strength and power in the Word of God. Read from the beginning of this letter to the end and be strengthened for your year ahead.