Our world is inundated with competing voices. From political posturing to divergent social opinions, from social media rants to conflicting economic forecasts. It can seem like we are surrounded by confusing chaos.

Ever long for a quiet moment to reflect upon something reliable? Three times within 1 Timothy Paul wrote, "This saying is trustworthy." Literally he wrote, "the word is faithful." These affirmations are worthy of reflection. Let’s consider the first one.

"This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’ – and I am the worst of them!" (1 Timothy 1:15).

Jesus entered our world not to point out our weaknesses nor find our faults. His mission was not to judge us. Rather, Paul says we can know that he came to help us. Jesus is on our side. His purpose involved saving us.

This idea, which Paul pronounced worthy of full acceptance, invites meditation. God was at work through Christ for our wellbeing. Realizing this encourages us to draw closer. It inspires us to lean inward toward the Messiah and press forward, knowing that through Christ God is pursuing our benefit.

Our lives do need rescuing. Our lives are broken. Sometimes we might feel beyond repair. We might wonder whether God would want us – if everything were to be exposed.

It is at this point that Paul’s earlier digression regarding himself as the worst of sinners provides additional space for reflection and hope. In spite of everything he had done, Jesus came to save Paul too.

In order for Jesus’ mercy to reach Paul, who claimed to be worse than us, it must also reach us. If Jesus wanted Paul, he wants us. Thus with the same confidence we can have in knowing Jesus came to save sinners, we can likewise be certain Jesus wants to rescue us too!

Our world is filled with a lot of noise. Yet in the midst of that chaos exists a crystal clear note that is reliable. Jesus came to rescue us. Jesus wants us. The only remaining doubt might be, do we want to be rescued?

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Barry Newton

Barry has worked with congregations in Texas, California and Brazil. He and his wife Sofia have two sons. He believes we should love God above all and that to honor this principle will shape daily decisions and silence competing values. Furthermore, we ought to love people in those ways we would like to be treated.

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