Hey, Don’t Forget That Jacket

Have you ever been reading Scripture and something made you instantly stop?  Perhaps it made you wonder what the author meant when he penned the words.  Left you wondering why it was significant enough to be compiled in The Holy Spirit and One True Word?

I found myself reading in the New Testament book of 2 Timothy.  Another letter written by the apostle Paul to his coworker Timothy.  It’s believed that Paul wrote this letter (likely some of the others too) from prison.  All with a goal to encourage, even in the face of severe persecution on his end.

As I was reading, I came to the last chapter.  I’ll admit, sometimes I tend to overlook the sub-headings that indicate final greetings.  Normally they reference telling someone hello and to keep up the good work.  Not that it doesn’t matter, I just have never paid much attention, until now.

Look at these verses.  Don’t miss it.

2 Timothy 4:9-13

Timothy, please come as soon as you can. Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry.  I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers.

I’m not sure about you, but I wonder what the significance is for that coat.  Did Paul need a jacket because of current weather conditions?  Did it hold sentimental value?  Did he accidentally leave it when he left?  Whatever the reason, the words were etched in The Bible.  Words kept and preserved for thousands of years, and will be around for years to come.

I was reminded that in my life, things that I may view as insignificant or unimportant, mean a great deal to God.  God never grows tired of the details of our lives.  He loves us completely, even the parts we don’t like, or may overlook.  He’s not offended if we accidentally leave our coat somewhere.  He’s not upset if we get distracted.  

I’m not sure what Paul meant by bringing that jacket, but there was significance for it.  I’m challenged reading this in regards to my prayer life.  All the things matter.  If it matters to us, it matters to God.

If there’s something weighing on you today, bring it to God.  There’s nothing that could scare Him or make Him love you any less than He already does.  Whatever is important to a child of God, is important to the Father.  He promises to always be with us.  I’m reminded that this coat held significance for Paul.  And it mattered to God.

The same goes for us.