I Have No One Like Him

The ruins of Philippi 

Scripture:

Phil. 2:19   I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I may be cheered by news of you. ²⁰ I have no one like him who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. ²¹ All of them are seeking their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. ²² But Timothy’s worth you know, how like a son with a father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. ²³ I hope therefore to send him as soon as I see how things go with me; ²⁴ and I trust in the Lord that I will also come soon.

Observation:

It’s amazing that amongst those who had served with Paul, at the moment of this writing, there were not many options to send to Philippi. It’s Timothy who can be trusted because he has “proven character” and a genuine interest in the people. He has not been seeking his own safety, pleasure or profit while in ministry. Instead, as John Wesley says, he is “willing naked to follow a naked Master.” There is no one like Timothy, and therefore Paul is sending him to the Philippian church. 

Application:

All who call themselves by the name “Christian” should, from time to time, create space for personal reflection. It’s easy to be carried away by, what I would call, “religion creep.” That is, our “religiosity” can sometimes get in the way of our pure, “naked” relationship with Jesus Christ. There is always the work of the church, which is good and healthy, but should never take over the place of knowing Christ in our lives. Practicing religiosity, judging others, comparing ourselves to others, thinking that we are better than others, etc.  can take the place of a deep relationship with our Lord. In reality these becomes barriers to a deeper walk with Christ. 

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if God could point to us, his disciples, and say, “I have no one like him/her?” I think that’s the goal that is set before us. Timothy becomes a role model, a person whom we ought to emulate. He had proven character because he had survived both good times and trials in ministry, and remained solidly faithful. Therefore, we are challenged to persevere in our faith, doing all that we can to become Christlike disciples. 

Timothy reflected the image of Christ in all that he did. That’s why Paul could say that there was “no one like him.” Throughout history there are giants in the faith who are role models for us. I believe that in every generation there are those to whom we can point and say, “there is no one like him/her.” I’m not so sure that that is supposed to be an extraordinary experience, or whether, by the power of the Holy Spirit this is to become commonplace in the life of the believer. Motivations checked, stripped of all that might hinder, we follow the Messiah with genuine interest and proven character. It is then that the Father can say, “I have no one like him/her.” 

Prayer:

Lord, I’m hungry to know you more. Amen.