2 Timothy 4:1-2
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.
Reflection
This passage from 2 Timothy delineates for us very clearly the responsibility we have and the responsibility that is given to Jesus. We are called to do the business of taking Christ’s Word into the world. That includes preaching, rebuking and encouraging. We are to be Christ’s agents in the world. The responsibility that Jesus has is to judge. When the time comes he will judge the living and the dead. That is the division of responsibility. We must be careful not to infringe upon the judgment that Jesus is called to do.
Should it be a relief to us that we haven’t been given the responsibility of judgment?
