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Read: 2 Timothy 4:11-13
Listen: 2 Timothy 4

Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 2 Timothy 4:11

Paul did not always describe Mark as “helpful” to his ministry. In Acts 15:36-41, Mark abandons Paul and his missionary team, which leads to Paul and Barnabas separating. Barnabas wanted Mark to rejoin them, but Paul wanted nothing to do with someone who walked away from the ministry. The pain of Mark’s decision to leave is too much for Paul to overcome. So, Barnabas and Mark go one way, Paul and Silas go another. But now, even after this pain and disappointment, Paul wants Timothy to bring Mark to him. Restoration has occurred. How? Three things happened: time passed, Mark matured, and Paul forgave.

These are three important elements of how God restores a relationship. “Time passed” means that restoration often takes time. We cannot expect restoration to happen quickly. “Mark matured” means that people can, in fact, change. They aren’t like they were in high school. They also can’t be defined by one careless action or word. “Paul forgave” means the injured party bears the cost and pain of the wrong done. When all three of these are present, restoration has a good chance of success.

TODAY: Is there someone you could pray about reconciling with, someone you may have written off? Open your heart to the possibility of reconciliation through this prayer: “Heavenly Father, I confess my heart has hardened toward _____________. Release me from feelings of anger and resentment. Give me eyes that see them as you do. When the time is right, allow my heart to be open to forgiveness and reconciliation. Amen.”

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read 2 Samuel 17-18. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Note David’s response to the loss of his son who had become his enemy.