February 14
“I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.” 2 Timothy 4:1-5 NLT
What a wonderful privilege and opportunity! God has invited us to join in expressing God’s love to the entirety of humanity. We respond by opening our hearts and minds to understanding God’s purposes. We share that understanding in all the ways available to us.
Our tasks are not easy. The evil that Jesus encountered is waiting for us each day. The Apostle Paul helps us understand the challenge. It includes being open to those who hate and who do not understand God; who have closed their minds with selfish ambitions. Some even profane the purposes of God by distortion. Paul, God’s servant, challenges us to a higher servanthood. It includes being open to those who hate God; who do not understand God; who have closed their own minds with selfish ambitions.
As Paul influenced Timothy, he still influences us. We have greater opportunities to communicate across cultures, distances, racial barriers and other limitations. These opportunities to represent God are precious. To be silent or absent is an abdication of responsibility. To make loud the eternal message of God is an opportunity to be seized upon and multiplied.
ETERNAL GOD, please help us to have the mind of Christ Jesus: to represent God everywhere we go; to love your world and its people at every opportunity. May we grow so close to you that we will love all your world and its people. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
—Emmanuel McCall
Namesake CBF McCall Racial Justice Initiative
Retired Pastor
Union City, Georgia
Love, Justice & Relationships
The 2024 Emmanuel McCall Lenten Devotional series is prepared by Cooperative Baptist Fellowship family and friends for the season of Lent. The McCall Lenten series features wonderful reflections on God’s Word, thought-provoking questions, prayers, art, music, noteworthy information and resources for action. Available in English and Spanish, this Lenten resource is intended for use by individuals, small groups and congregations.
Join us as we journey together through Lent reflecting on these devotions and their calls to pursue justice for all of God’s people.
This passage is originally found in the 2024 Emmanuel McCall Lenten Devotional series, prepared by Cooperative Baptist Fellowship family and friends. It is a project of love that is designed to be read during the season of Lent, which begins February 14, 2024. Register to receive the daily devotional here.