September 10
Straight from the Pastor’s Heart by Dr. Hernes Abante
2 Timothy 1:5 - “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.”
Generational parenting can be effective if everyone involved has the same purpose and mission. Otherwise, it can be detrimental to the family and the children. This is the reason why the Bible is very clear in its message, encouraging the newlyweds to leave their father and mother for them to cleave.
We can find many examples of children being raised by grandparents more than their parents. This parental arrangement has complicated the relationship between them; parents with the children and parents with the grandparents.
It is so unfortunate that this arrangement has caused some children to lose their respect for their parents who are not parentally involved. Because the grandparents have the primary parental responsibility, the children sometimes will treat their parents like their siblings, without the respect they ought to give their parents. It also affects the ideal structure of the family.
However, it was not so in the case of Timothy. Perhaps, because of the genuine faith and love for the Lord in the home. As a child, Timothy learned to lobe the Lord and His Word. He was raised, according to the Bible by his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice.
The scripture is silent about his father. We are not sure if he is involved with his son, Timothy. What we know from the Bible is that he had a Greek father. It is possible that the father was gone most of Timothy’s life.
Maybe, this was the reason why the Apostle Paul became a father figure to him, that thrice he called the young man his “beloved son” and the time as “his son.” 1 Timothy 1:2,18 & 2 Timothy 2:1.
There is a great truth in our text about the role of Lois, the grandmother of Timothy. She was a “grand-parenting” success; but we cannot miss the significant role of Timothy’s mother Eunice, who I believe was also raised spiritually by her mother, Lois.
The Apostle Paul must have known the family that he knows the family dynamics and the wonderful relationship at home.
The Scriptures reveal that Timothy’s first appearance was during the 2nd missionary journey of the Apostle Paul. From then on they developed a close spiritual and ministerial relationship. The Apostle Paul was impressed with the young man’s behavior and his genuine faith in God.
The “unfeigned faith” of Timothy was traced back to his grandmother, Lois. Her testimony and influence in the life of Timothy was obviously strong and effective. The outcome of the young man’s life reveals his genuine faith and his commitment to God. He showed it later in his faithfulness to his divine tasks his teachable attitude and his hunger for the Word.
The efforts of Grandmother Lois clearly started with her daughter, Eunice. I am convinced that she was taught and discipled by Lois the same way she did with Timothy. That is the reason why they were able to effectively raise Timothy together. They both loved the Lord and the Word of God. The Apostle recognized the good work Lois did with Eunice and in turn, Eunice followed her example in raising Timothy.
At an early age, Timothy learned to love the Scriptures and this godly training prepared him for a greater work for the Lord. He later accompanied Paul in missionary journeys and then became the Bishop of the Church in Ephesus, according to tradition. All these became true because of the faith of his grandmother, Lois; who started it all.
Conclusion:
Grandparents, we have a wonderful opportunity to leave a great and wonderful legacy to our grandchildren. A legacy that they will cherish forever and transfer to their children and their children’s children. Just imagine the generational blessings it will cause.
However, that will not be possible if we do not start with our own children, the parents of our grandchildren. Like Eunice, the parents need to work together with us, grandparents to effectively guide our grandchildren to please and serve God. In turn, they will also point their children’s children godward for the glory of God. It can be done!
Happy Grandparent’s Sunday!
2 Timothy 3:14-17 - “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them ; [15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.