Tuesday, October 10
Rekindle
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1
2 Timothy 1:6–8 Because of this I remind you to rekindle God’s gift that you possess through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, a prisoner for his sake, but by God’s power accept your share of suffering for the gospel.
Observation
The word “rekindle” translates a Greek word that means “to rekindle a fire, to fan into flame, to cause something to begin again, to reactivate.” God’s gift, the Holy Spirit, is represented here as a fire capable of dying out through neglect. Evidently Timothy’s fire had cooled or dwindled, and Paul encourages him to rekindle it, to start over.
Perhaps Timothy had become timid about sharing the gospel, and that is why Paul told him that the Holy Spirit isn’t about fear, but power, love and self-control. Therefore, don’t be ashamed of the gospel, but share it boldly and be ready to suffer.
Application
I’ve experienced my fire cooling and needing to be rekindled. I’ve experienced being hesitant to share the gospel. So this speaks to me.
How to rekindle the fire?
I’m asking the Holy Spirit to fill me afresh (Ephesians 5:18) and looking for opportunities to share the gospel today. The first mark of the Spirit’s presence in our lives is that we become witnesses for Jesus (Acts 1:8).
Fill me. Use me.
Prayer: Lord, I love You. Please fill me today with the Holy Spirit. Make me bold to share Your good news. I pray every day for workers for the harvest; here am I, send me.
More: Ezekiel 13-14, Matthew 22