Many places in Scripture extol—which means to enthusiastically praise or commend—the faithfulness of God. Lamentations 3: 22-23 says, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” The Hebrew word emunah (em-oo-naw) translated “faithfulness” means “steadfastness, firmness, and fidelity (loyalty or support).” The antonyms/opposite of faithfulness are infidelity, disloyalty, or an ever-changing or wishy-washy nature. Psalm 119: 89-90 says, “Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations.” Here, God’s faithfulness is reflected both in His nature and in His Word. God speaks the never-ending truth, because He is The Truth. If God spoke something a thousand years ago, it still stands. He is faithful to His Word because His Word is an expression of His character. God’s attributes are infinite—they are limitless, endless— His power, His knowledge and wisdom, His love, are impossible to measure. 2 Timothy 2: 2-4,10-13
Some of you know that I am a former Air Force Sgt., so I am familiar with the military analogy Paul offers in this passage. When you enter the US military, you receive its rules for engagement, rules like: no soldier left behind… These rules set America up as a military power that protects its citizens against assaults from without and within. As you go on in your service you learn that there are good and bad soldiers, and what it takes to be a good one—qualities like: perseverance and endurance under difficult situations, particularly warfare, and faithfulness—the quality of remaining loyal, steadfast, and true. In fact much of our training in peacetime was so that we would be ready to successfully prevent, engage, or win wars. Once you signed up to be a soldier, you could not abdicate that responsibility when the Country was under duress—that pressure was what all your training was for. We were initiated and trained in camps. We were put under discipline. We were drilled over and over again so that in the time of battle, our response would be automatic, not dictated by our feelings. We were not given the luxury of panic or flight as civilians are. In the time of war, we could not be distracted by our familial relationships, our financial situations, our friendships, or any other diversion.
In 2 Timothy 2, we see God from the perspective of His role as Commander in Chief over the universe, the Heavens and the earth. Good soldiers, like Timothy, are responsible for sharing these truths/practices with other soldiers for the legacy and prosperity of all Kingdom Citizens. Good soldiers are also called on to suffer if necessary. Soldiers give their lives, suffering both in preparation and in execution of their duties, so the country they represent can reign, and they and its citizens can reign with it. Here Paul is admonishing Timothy to remember his training, calling and to persevere.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Sherman