In slowing down this farewell from Paul to Timothy we get the opportunity to hear the Spirit speak through God’s Word. We are going to read five simple words that show us that the power of friendship is often in the fact that you are present. Have you ever heard or said this, “I can’t believe you came to see me.” There is one better than that, “I can’t believe you stayed.”
Throughout the book of Acts, which Luke wrote, we often find passages with the word, ‘we’, revealing that this doctor was present in many of Paul’s travels. He was with him in the shipwrecks, imprisonments and many dangers. Now when others have left him, some for legitimate reasons of the gospel, others because they loved the world, we have five amazing words.
“ Only Luke is with me…” (2 Timothy 4 v 11)
If all you read is Paul lamenting then read it again. I read it as a wonderful acknowledgment of Luke. One true friend is enough. Luke lifted Paul’s mood when everyone else walked out. Paul had someone who truly saw him for who he was, who believed in him and who stood by him. Do you have someone like that? Are you that someone?
Here are 7 thoughts about the friendship of Luke.
This friendship is more than a comfort. It reminds of the value and the calling of the individual.
This friendship’s power is to walk in when others walk out.
This friendship reveals the character of God who is completely faithful.
This friendship receives as well as gives. Luke is here at the end of Paul’s teachings and life and is part of this wonderful Bible story that lasts for ever. That is quite an achievement!
This friendship chooses commitment not comfort and it this costs not only our own needs but at times our reputation.
This friendship sees beyond the temporal difficult circumstance of our ‘prisons’ to who we really are.
This friendship redefines success and finds purpose even in our darkest seasons.
“Only Luke is with me.” As we navigate our own relationships and commitments, may we aspire to be the kind of people others can count on in their final chapters. May we be someone’s Luke—faithful, present, and unwavering when the going gets tough.
Missions Paul 