In the last letter he wrote, Paul instructed a young pastor named Timothy to stand strong and endure hardship like a soldier fighting for his country. Paul would soon be gone, so he challenged Timothy to press on and share the gospel.

In the middle of the challenge, Paul suddenly introduced the ultimate example of endurance. Paul gave Timothy a rich subject for reflection and meditation.

2 Timothy 2:8
Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel.

Paul’s description of Jesus as the offspring of David or the One “descended from David” was a fresh reminder to Timothy that Jesus was the Christ, the long-awaited Messiah. David, Jesus’ ancestor, defeated his enemies on the battlefield to make Israel into a great nation. Jesus came to defeat Satan once and for all on the cross to make a people for God. David, the great king, died, but Jesus defeated death itself by rising from the grave. Jesus is the King who reigns forever! Let us never forget that truth!

Lord Jesus,
Thank you for taking on death and defeating it at the empty tomb. Thank you for the new life that you give—now and for eternity. Help me reflect on this truth often and to share it with others.
In your name, I pray. Amen.