Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Epistle, 1 Timothy 1:12-17            

1 Timothy 1:12-17

Most of us, as we age, tend to notice that there are certain things that don’t come as easily as they used to. It can be physical weakness or mental focus, a combination of the two or perhaps other issues as well. What a fun way to begin, huh? But I offer that truth because we often think that advanced age is the time of life or perhaps even the cause of weakness. Here’s even more startling news. Weakness permeates us at every juncture in life. The truth is (unrecognized by vast numbers of people) that we are “walking weakness.” That’s even worse, huh? It is unless …. you are brought to recognize it and call out to the one source of true strength who not only supplies strength but perfect, eternal, indestructible strength. Paul says in verse 12, “I thank him who has given me strength,” and that strength is attached to another necessary gift: mercy. 

Twice in the next couple of verses Paul also proclaims that he has received mercy from his Lord and ours, the risen Jesus. You see, strength and mercy are that perfect combination of things that we cannot produce or gift ourselves with. Two things that we must have in order to truly live. Two things we must receive from another. God chases us to give us his strength. He “strains” to grant us his mercy. I’m learning, also in my “older age” to say yes to God. And to say it more readily. Lord, I need your strength and mercy. Amen!