“Go therefore and make disciples” – (Mat 28:19-20).

The Bible is full of many strong brotherly working relationships, like of Moses and Aron who partnered to liberate the Jews from Egyptian domination, or of David and Jonathan, who were united in a bond against Saul’s oppressive power. Yet there is also a special relationship that bore much fruit and certainly the basis of our Christian faith. It is that of the Apostle Paul and his disciple Timothy.

Paul first met Timothy during one of his missionary journey in a place called Lystra (Acts 16: 1-3). Unlike him who came from the high circles of his society, Timothy was of mixed parents born of a Jewish mother and a Greek father. In spite of this difference in background Paul was quickly endeared to the young convert whom he now mentored.

Paul spent hours equipping Timothy with the power of the word of God (Acts 17:4). He was an encourager and counsellor to the young believer, passing on all his wisdom to his curious mind. He saw this young brother as a fellow worker in ministry (1 Thes 3:2). The Apostle Paul who did not have a son apparently adopted Timothy as his own (Phil 2:19), filling a hole he might have had for that lack.

Paul was a blessing to Timothy; much as Timothy was to him. They all mutually blessed each other in a way. Like both, here, any of us with something of value to offer, ought to have a Timothy in his life. It could be an adopted son or daughter in faith. The blessings will be on both sides.

By mentoring Timothy it ensured the ministry of Paul outlived him. While we might not be aware of the one whom Timothy mentored too, he must also have had someone later. This we need emphasize. God brings into the lives of every believer a Timothy except that some of us don’t realize it. Look around you there could be a Timothy waiting for you in the wings to disciple and mentor. Go ahead and take the young disciple on. You would be surprised how you are both blessed by this ministry.

Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I thank you for those whom you have placed in my life to disciple and mentor for the growth of their faith, who in turn can bless others, and may I not neglect this powerful role, this I pray in Jesus’s name.