At the beginning of 2 Timothy 2, Paul urges his disciple to find the strength he needs in the person and work of Christ
Jesus. While this is certainly an important reminder for a young pastor, it applies equally to each of us—something that
the elements in this morning’s service point to. As one of the hymns we sing puts it, Christ alone is our “light,” our
“strength,” and our “song.” The psalms remind us that He is the “rock of our salvation,” and that we are to rejoice and
be glad in His strength. We read that Jesus is “the head of all rule and authority,” and that we are “filled in Him.” We
respond by singing that we will enthrone Him in our hearts and look to Him as our captain when temptations come.
We come to the table acknowledging that our “strength indeed is small,” but we have confidence that our Lord will be
our “strong defender,” vindicating our cause. We conclude our prayers and petitions by singing of our expectation that
at the last day we would “in Him be found,” while the benediction from 1 Thessalonians assures us that “He will surely
do it.” —Henry C. Haffner
