Bring the Books

by Edwin Crozier

Text: II Timothy 4

Paul concludes his letter with a series of requests connected with “Do your best to come to me soon.” Paul knows his time is limited, but he doesn’t know the exact day he will depart. “Come soon, Timothy,” Paul tells him, and he tells him about the other workers. Some have departed, in love with the present world. Paul has sent some on assignment. Paul wants Timothy to bring Mark.

But one statement stands out. It’s easy to understand why Paul wants Timothy and Mark to come. He wants support. He also wants to give some final face-to-face encouragement. The need for the cloak is obvious. Winter is coming, and he’ll need some protection from the elements. The Roman soldiers won’t give him any.

Then he asks for something odd–“also the books, and above all the parchments.” What? Why on earth would he need books? He’s about to die. Hasn’t he done enough reading and learning?

Apparently not.

What an incredible example Paul sets. He is in prison. He is going to be executed. He isn’t going to get out and do more traveling work. His next stop is the heavenly kingdom itself. But what does he want to do? He wants to keep reading and rereading. He wants to learn and remember.

I want to be like that. I hope that even when I know death is knocking on my door, I’ll want to keep growing. I want to keep learning. I fear I’ll just want to watch TV. But Paul sets the example for me.

Bring the books. Let me read. Let me learn. To the very end.

Of course, if I want that kind of commitment in my final days, I need that kind of commitment in my present days. Do I want to learn now? Do I want to be reminded now? Do I want to grow now? Or am I satisfied?

How about you?