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The New Testament is filled with names of people who in various and sundry ways were involved with the Lord and His cause. We could mention the names of men like Peter, Paul, Titus and Timothy who have gone down in history as heroes of the faith. We could set forth the names of godly women like Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Mary and Martha the sisters of Lazarus. These are all great and noble characters that served the Lord with vigor.
Some of the names found in the New Testament are not linked to those of faithful and noble character. Surely Judas tops the list, who, for thirty pieces of silver, betrayed the Lord (Mt. 27:3-5). In Second Timothy we read of certain individuals, who, rather than being a friend and ally of Paul, forsook him in his darkest hour. Consider the following words...
"This you know, that all those of Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes" (II Tim. 1:15).
"Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world" (II Tim. 4:10).
Thus, the names of Phygellus, Hermogenes and Demas, along with Judas and others, go down in the annals of history as betrayers, as those who gave up and gave in when the going became rough. When Paul wrote the second letter to Timothy he was in prison about to appear before Nero for a second time. He knew his time was short and that his death was imminent (II Tim. 4:6). To identify with Paul and to stand up for Christ was to put one's life in jeopardy. These men mentioned evidently were not willing to put their lives on the line for the sake of Paul, the Lord and the gospel. Paul was so concerned that he urged Timothy not to be afraid or ashamed (II Tim. 1:7, 8-12) but to "hold fast the pattern of sound words" (II Tim. 1:13). Timothy had to make a choice, "Would he be a friend to the Lord?" or "Would he be a ‘forsaker'?" We must make the same choice.
We show our friendship to the Lord when...
1. We are not ashamed of Him (Mk. 8:38; Rom. 1:16; II Tim. 1:8).
2. We stand up for what is right (Acts 4:13, 19, 20; 5:29).
3. We refuse to compromise the truth (II Tim. 1:13; Titus 2:1; II Tim. 4:1-5).
4. When we do what He says (John 14:15; 15:14).
However, we deny Him when we refuse to live the Christian life, refuse to stand up for the
sake of the gospel, when we forsake faithful brethren, when we live immoral lives, when we
refuse to obey the Lord in all things. When these things characterize us we fall under the
category of "forsaker!"
Remember Jesus said, "He who is not with Me is against Me..." (Matthew 12:30). Are you for Him or against Him? Are you a confidante or a foe, a friend or a ‘forsaker'? The choice is up to you.
By Bill Burk
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