Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost: Epistle, 2 Timothy 1:1-14                        

2 Timothy 1:1-14

“The key is always at the door.” So said the sainted Dr. John G. Mitchell many times when teaching us from the scriptures at the seminary. It is quite amazing how the first paragraphs of a book or letter, even lines and words, can spell out the gist of what is coming. Our epistle this week holds that very kind of direction. Paul begins his second letter to Timothy thus: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus …” (v.1). The promise. What Paul carries, indeed what he has become is completely wrapped in a promise. And oh what a promise. The promise is the life that is in Christ Jesus.

That is what it means when Dr. Mitchell used to quip about key and door. All that Paul will grant to Timothy through this short letter comes from the life of Jesus. And since it is tied to a promise, then the doorway to receiving is faith. Promises are to be believed. When you walk through the remaining verses of the reading, such marvelous treasures are displayed. It makes one want to reach out and grab them. That is faith.

Turn the key.