Final Request

When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.
2 Timothy 4:13

I have heard the question asked many different ways...If you were stranded on an island and could have a limited number of items, what would you want? What about if you were in prison? A careful reading of 2 Timothy reveals that the Apostle Paul knew that death was coming. He was imprisoned and in his own words, his life was being poured out like an offering. His requests are significant. He wants the scrolls and parchments. These were likely copies of the Scriptures along with what could have been early copies of the Gospels. Not long after his request, Paul was martyred. Fifteen centuries later on October 6, 1536 William Tyndale was strangled and burnt at the stake in the prison yard of the castle of Vilvoorden just a few miles from Brussels, Belgium. His principle “crime” was to be the first man to print the New Testament in the English language. Reportedly, when in prison Tyndale made the following request, “Send me, for Jesus’ sake, a warmer cap, something to patch my leggings, a woolen shirt, and above all my Hebrew Bible.” It’s not likely that you are reading this devotional in the cell of a literal prison, but you may be imprisoned by certain habits or destructive thought patterns. You may feel trapped by your circumstances. The Bible provides both comfort and counsel in the most difficult times. When I read how these men requested the Scriptures, it inspires me. Further, when I consider these men, I recognize that Paul wrote much of the New Testament and Tyndale paved the way to make it readable for us. They both died as martyrs. Their sacrifice made it possible for me to find strength in God today. So, the next time we open a Bible or click an app on our phones (and I hope it’s soon), may God help us cherish His Word and find nourishment for our souls.