“God our Savior…wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:3-4
It was my youngest daughter’s 4th wedding anniversary and her husband wanted to to take her out to dinner. What THEY wanted was a babysitter for their 2 kids. Katie and I wanted to give them worry free time, so we volunteered to watch Coast, who is 2… and Case, who is 4 months old. Coast wanted Reese’s Pieces! Case wanted mommy!!
Before leaving for their evening out, we were given instructions and tips. My daughter instructed us that Coast was to eat an avocado for dinner. At hearing this, and obviously remembering the LAST time we watched them, Coast looked directly at me and said, “Reesy Peesys!” As they walked out the door I was left wondering who was actually in charge!!
Since no “Reesy Peesys!” were to be found, I promised I would run to the store to get some if he ate what mommy wanted him to eat. No problem!!!! And as the cut up pile of avocado chunks began to disappear, he would occasionally look at and say, “store!” But I knew the drill and had my orders. Daughter’s wants first! When the last avocado bite was gone, Coast smiled… and I hit the road!
The first 2 chapters of 1 Timothy are tough and easily confused. Paul writes to Timothy to ‘fight the good fight (1:18), to pray for our government’s leaders to live in peace and quiet ( 2:2) and THEN tells us what GOD wants! In those short verses, and just like my babysitting experience, it is easy to see that not everyone actually GETS what they want. Not even GOD!
These day’s are difficult. The world is in battle mode and this great country is more divided then ever before. News is not good as daily, evil sets up to wage a full scale war against Christ and His Church. And what is our Master’s parting command and ‘want’ for the coming battle? ‘Fight good, pray hard and tell the enemy of THEIR enemy’s desire for their COMPLETE Salvation!’ OBVIOUSLY someone isn’t going to get what THEY want! I FEEL like a middleman… because I am!
Everything worked out well with the evening. There was food and fun, laughter and tears, and “Reesy Peesys!” Even baby Case ultimately got what he wanted! When mommy walked back in the door, Katie handed him over and we left! SUCCESS! I was reminded that NO one gets everything they want… even Jesus Christ. But He’s coming back in His own sweet time (6:14). Then, and ONLY them, will we ALL get what we really want!
