| “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). |
| I am sure that you have all seen a relay race, where several people participate. As they run around the track, they carry a baton which they have to pass on to the next runner, who in turn passes it on to another one. Often there are four different runners, and each must do his or her part well. When the baton is passed from one runner to another, the first runner does not pass it to someone who is sitting beside the track, or even someone who is just standing there. No, the second, third, and fourth runners are already running alongside the one with the baton, so that no time is lost. |
| If you look carefully at our verse for today, you will see that four generations are involved. First there is the Apostle Paul, then Timothy, then “faithful men” to whom he would pass on the truth, and finally others who would be taught by those faithful men. It was in this way that the Lord intended that the truth of God should be passed on. Sadly, this did not always happen. After some time, when all the apostles were with the Lord, and men like Timothy had gone to be with the Lord too, the truth of God was corrupted. All those who heard it were not faithful in walking in it and passing it on. |
| However, when Paul was speaking to the older ones in Ephesus, we find that he did not depend even on faithful men. Rather he said, “I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up” (Acts 20:32). Even if others are not faithful, we always have God and His Word, and these never change. We can always go to God’s Word, and to the Lord Himself, to learn the precious truth He has given us. |
| Most of you who read this are young people, and if the Lord does not come, you will someday have the responsibility of walking in the truth you have received, and passing it on to others. Are you ready to do that? |
