Come by Winter

by HJS

Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem. After a long delay as corrupt officials hoped for a bribe, Paul appealed to Caesar in Rome, and he was sent there under military escort. After being under house arrest for some time, Paul was released. Then he was arrested again and thrown into prison. 

Being in prison is never a pleasant experience, but in winter it is especially harsh when there is no heat, no hot water and no hope of release. That's where Paul was when he wrote to Timothy asking him to bring the cloak he left at Troas, the scrolls and especially the parchments (writing materials). And he asked Timothy to do his best to come by winter.

Why winter? Not just because of its harsh conditions. Paul seemed to despair of ever gaining his freedom. Paul reminds Timothy that he has fought a good fight, finished the course and kept the faith. He's ready for what lies ahead, but he appeals to Timothy to come, bringing bare necessities. 

We're not certain whether or not Timothy got there before winter, but when I've traveled through winter to come to aid a friend and to pray together, I've never regretted pushing a busy schedule aside.

Some things are more important than getting your "to-do list" reduced by a few items. "Come by winter," Paul pleads. It's a call you must learn to heed.

The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom.  - 2 Timothy 4:18