Recovery From Personal Failure and Humbly Rejoicing in the Success of Others

In 2 Timothy 4:11 Paul is writing to Timothy about some people and things he wants Timothy to bring to him. In particular he tells Timothy to “Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.” This could not always be said about Mark. During Paul's missionary journey Mark, who had gone with them, had deserted them and this had left Paul with little respect for Mark and his value in ministry to the degree that Paul refused to take Mark the next time they went out and splitting with Barnabas took Timothy instead.

Now Paul is close to the end of his life, he is cold and in need of companions to help him and continue his work. Timothy has been of great value to Paul and is even called by Paul “my true son.” So, one has been left in disgrace and the other has come to great prominence...until now. Now Paul tells Timothy, Mark is useful to me. The former who had fallen is now restored. The later who has never failed is now asked to bring the former back.

Two thoughts occurred to me as I looked at this scenario. I wonder how Mark felt about his return to favor with Paul. How his ministry with Barnabas must have changed him, given him greater confidence to share his faith, and travel through dangerous lands to proclaim Christ to a hostile people! Through the patience of Barnabas and the grace of God Mark found redemption. He found courage. He regained his status as useful to the work of the gospel.

It is a profound reminder to me that, because of the grace of God, my failures can never keep me from doing the good works that God prepared in advance for me. In fact, my personal failures must necessarily be providential events in my life designed to prepare me for just such works. May God be praised. This also teaches me to never discount a brother or sister as lost who has fallen or failed, for their God is the one and same God who loves me and keeps me.

The second thought that occurs to me is, how did Timothy feel about seeing Mark restored to Paul's favor. Was he glad for Mark's redemption seeing it as an evidence of God's grace and mercy, or was he troubled with feelings of jealousy or incredulity by the fact that this one who so greatly failed Paul could find favor again, when he himself had faithfully served Paul. Was his attitude that of the older brother to the prodigal son or that of the father who rejoiced in the the son's redemption?

Too often we find ourselves struggling to be happy with another person's spiritual success or prominence in the faith, when we should rejoice in God's blessings as given to all his children. The pettiness of child-like jealousy and the critical hearts that come from it are a blight on the church. We must pray to value God's work of grace in the life of another as much as we do in our own. We must pray that God's graciousness to us will never give us reason for pride and boasting in ourselves, but that we will see it as evidence of our own need and be humble.

I have a feeling Timothy rejoiced in Mark's personal redemption. May God help us rejoice likewise in the redemption of a fallen brother or sister and in the prominence of others in the faith. Amen