Observation: Paul greets Timothy with this kind statement, that he prays for Timothy constantly, thanking the Lord for him. Timothy is a companion, a son-like friend, and a young church leader whom Paul continues to pour into by his words even when he is forced to be away due to imprisonment. Timothy was effectively a disciple of Paul during his earlier missions, and Paul continues to mentor Timothy in his letters.
However, in this greeting, Paul says something provocative, given his personal background and history. Paul says that the "serves" the Lord "with a clear conscience" ... and this is just "as my ancestors did." This is provocative given the knowledge of Paul's ancestors, both generally (Jews) and specifically (legalistic leaders from Tarsus). Paul has stated his background before. He was an upright and staunch Pharisee, born of the most Jewish of Jewish parents, with a well-documented lineage defining his legacy in the tribe of Benjamin. He was a strong keeper of the law - even fanatical in compliance with the laws of Moses - and proud to have been raised as such.
Now, Paul is a "Christian", an apostle for Jesus, who is often in conflict with Jews. It is almost the opposite of the life of the Pharisees, who were opposed to Jesus when alive and remained opposed to The Way. That is the apparent conflict in ideology that Paul declares to be the same as each other.
Of course, Paul is not saying he does the same things as his ancestors. He is saying he serves the Lord - with clear conscience and effort - just as his ancestors did. These are the same in their passion and zeal. Just like his own family ... just like the Pharisees ... just like upstanding Jews ... Paul has learned of the plans and purposes of Yahweh, and dedicated his life to following the Lord's plans, teaching the Lord's message, and serving the Lord as commanded.
Application: What it looks like to be obedient toward the Lord can change over time, as the Lord reveals himself more and more. I have heard how this has changed over the last 250 years here in the United States. At one time, following the Lord meant going to church and obeying daily and weekly activities - just like almost everyone else did - because serving and loving within a community was at the heart of Christian living. Now, there is less interdependency on each other, and the majority of my neighbors aren't Christian, so the daily work of the Lord is more about spreading the good news in ways that are acceptable to current cultural sensibilities.
Yes, it would be great if we could just all commune at church a few times a week. That isn't how it works anymore. Paul knew this ... he knew there had been a time when following rituals for ceremonial cleanliness and sacrifices were the right daily and weekly actions, but later sharing meals to create communities that learned of Jesus' love and helped others maintain hope in salvation by simple faith was now the right behavior.
We are in a time that requires new ways to serve the Lord, beyond motivating and reenforcing each other's faith at church. We try various approaches, and some seem to work. I hope I can find my own niche within these approaches, and once again serve the Lord with the clear conscience.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray to you often about my path and purposes. I don't need to know where I am going, but sometimes I fear I am going nowhere at all. I am just standing in a place I'm not supposed to be in the first place, doing nothing. Please take my hand and lead me where you would have me serve you. Amen.
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