READING: Jeremiah 18-22, 2 Timothy 1:1-2:13
I will never forget the dinner. As a new professor, I had the privilege of hosting Robert Coleman, famous author of the Master Plan of Evangelism. Dr. Coleman has for many decades invested in students preparing for ministry; in fact, he had a student with him that night. Late in the dinner, Dr. Coleman leaned across the table and said, “Chuck, if you want your ministry to last after you’re gone, start pouring your life into young men right now.” I was already somewhat in awe of the man for his godliness and his zeal, and I took his challenge to heart. Now for 25 years, I’ve tried to do my best to invest in others.
Dr. Coleman picked up his own stategy by reading how Jesus made disciples in the Gospels. Today, I read Paul’s words to Timothy, and I’m reminded of the same calling: “. . . and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim 2:2). Paul was facing his own death, and he wanted his work to go on with Timothy—and with generations after Timothy. While he had invested primarily in Timothy, Paul was already considering the potentially vast influence Timothy’s ministry could have. Their work did not have to stop as long as someone in every generation recognized his responsibility to teach the next.
That’s my prayer for the students I’ve been privileged to walk with: that their ministry will continue for many, many generations.
PRAYER: “God, thank You for the grace to invest in others. Use them to influence generations to come.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: If you’re an older believer not yet investing in another generation, talk to your pastor. Start making that investment soon.
TOMORROW’S READING: Jeremiah 23-25, 2 Timothy 2:14-3:17