For the sake of the elect

2 Timothy 2:¹⁰Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Paul's statement here clearly supports the doctrine of predestination. There are those whom God has elected to receive the news of salvation and there are those who will not receive the news of salvation. However, only God knows who is elected. Free will...is it a reality or something we like to think we have control over? None the less, Paul goes through much pain to ensure that everyone who he can share the news of salvation with gets to hear it. He does the leg work and lets God be the judge. In contrast, we read about Jonah, the prophet who did the opposite of what Paul is advising Timothy here. Jonah judged the people of Nineveh and refused to share with them the news of repentance. God had predetermined that they would turn their hearts back to them, but Jonah didn't think they deserved it. Because of Jonah's rash judgment, he was thrown overboard and ended up in the foul belly of a big fish.

I'd rather suffer for God's good than suffer for my own foolishness. Also, regardless of whether free will really exists or not, I have been commissioned as a follower of Christ to share the Good News of salvation with everyone. If I refuse to, out of my own insecurity or judgment, then I'm no better than Jonah. How can I be different today because of this scripture? I can remember that all that I endure is for the sake of sharing the gospel. Also, I am not the one to judge who should and shouldn't receive the gospel. Only God knows.

Heavenly Father, may I remember the words of Paul, inspired by Your Holy Spirit. Forgive me for judging others and for being disobedient in sharing the Good News. I love You, Lord. Continue to transform me into Your image. I pray all this in Jesus' name, Amen.