THE “ABANDONED” APOSTLE

The life of a ‘Christian worker’ is filled with ups and downs. Life is unpredictable and uncertain for those in ministry. The Pastor, the Evangelist or the Leader is doubly under attack. He has his own personal struggles, pressures and problems, just like a normal Christian. He also has struggles because of the family and friends – just like any normal person. Apart from this, a person in God’s work, has the regular work related pressures, even though it is Christian ministry, just like a normal person. Over and above all this, the Christian minister is tremendously and continuously under attack from Satan, unlike a normal Christian.

Paul writing to young Timothy, expresses certain things, which gives us insight into his personal struggles, and the pressures that he is encountering. 
“9 Be diligent to come to me quickly; 10 for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. 12 And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.” – 2 Timothy 4:9-13

In simple words, we see an “ABANDONED APOSTLE” in what Paul is expressing. He is not only feeling the cold, when asking for the cloak, he is expressing his loneliness. He is abandoned by some, and some have gone to minister elsewhere. He longs for company and wants helpers with whom he differed earlier. Therefore he urges…
– “9 Be DILIGENT to COME to me QUICKLY;”
– “10…Demas has FORSAKEN me, having loved this present world…”
– “11 ONLY Luke is with me.”
– “GET Mark and BRING him with you, for he is USEFUL to me for ministry.”
– “13 BRING the CLOAK that I left with Carpus at Troas WHEN YOU COME…”

My dear friends, brothers and sisters, be mindful of all those who are working in Christian ministry. We need not, and should not pamper them, but we certainly have to understand their situation, and care for them and their welfare. This goes a long way in helping them through their storms and struggles, as frontline workers in spiritual matters. This is our God given responsibility to encourage and uphold Christ loving, obedient and faithful servants of God.