I Charge Thee

Every word of God is rich. Study it long, it will bless you and give to you over and over and over. 2 Timothy has long been one of my favorite books. Not surprisingly when I got the call to present a charge to preachers in closing out a retreat, my mind went to 2 Timothy 4. There is the rich trio of a charge “preach the word…do the work of an evangelist…make full-proof of your ministry.” 

Being asked to give a charge I decided to look a little deeper at that word “charge.” I’ve rushed past it to get to the mission Paul gives ministers. “I solemnly charge you,” Paul says, διαμαρτύρομαι, diamartyromai. There are five Greek words for “charge.” THIS one is used four times in the Bible, each by the Apostle. Once to the elders from Ephesus and the other three to Timothy. 

It’s a courtroom scene but not one of this earth. “In the presence of God and of Jesus Christ.” God is there, Christ who will hedge all is there, Paul, aged with experience and commitment is there, from what we know of him, a probably trembling Timothy stands before this aster and celestial proceeding. I solemnly charge you. This is not a whisper of advice from a mentor, nor is is a list of expectations, it is much more, it is a commission sealed before heaven. Timothy is being placed into holy service under the gaze of the Judge who will one day ask: “Did you preach My Word? Did you fill up your ministry? Did you evangelize?” 

Imagine, you stand in a solemn courtroom, not made of marble and wood, but of glory and light. What an honor, what a rich blessing, what a commission! How can we quit?