Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.
2 Timothy 4:11 (ESV)
Lord, as I reflect upon Paul’s life at this time in his ministry and what he is saying in this verse, I am reminded of how he, Barnabas and Mark parted company (Acts 15:36-40). Paul’s opinion on Mark’s “usefulness” resulted in him parting ways with individuals who were instrumental to his ministry. And ministry, for him got harder and he had to endure without the “son of encouragement” by his side. What’s more, he missed out on what Mark could have contributed! When I read, “Luke alone is with me,” I sense his loneliness. I’ve been there!
Father, this verse reminds me of the power of humility and reconciliation. It is only as I realize both that my expectations of individuals must be grounded in my faith in You, and that there is always some thing or some way that others can make me better can I ever live at peace with everyone. The saying is true, “It takes a village.” Christ laid the foundation. I must build on it!
As I look back upon my own life, there are a lot of bridges that I have burned, individuals I have hurt, and relationships I have damaged. Frankly, I am amazed that anyone wants to still be associated with me! Yet, I am thankful today that You are reminding me that the door to restoration is always open. I just have to be adult enough to walk through it. So, throughout this day, remind me of who I need to reach out to and reconnect with. Let me tell them how much they have meant to me in the past, and how I am so much better of a person because they were and are in my life. Thank You for sending them my way and using them to make me the person I am today and will be tomorrow. Amen.