Read: 2 Timothy 4:11
THEME: For much of his life John Mark appeared to be living on the edge of the action. For many this is an uncomfortable area to be in, but it can be an ideal place for God to shape us and mature us.
Many years have passed and Paul is writing to John Mark’s replacement, Timothy. His words indicated a major turnaround: ‘Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry’.
By this time John Mark has been through much. He has long since moved on from Cyprus and may even have furthered his writing career in Rome, taking down dictation from Peter. He would have felt safe with Peter who was a spiritual father figure for him. But here was Paul – sometimes his hero; sometimes his nemesis – saying, in effect, ‘John Mark, you are useful’.
Here is a lesson for us all. No matter how much we may feel side-lined and away from the action, God is at work in our lives changing us and preparing us. We do not have to be in the centre of the action to be at the centre of God’s will.
‘Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’
Romans 15:13