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Read: 2 Timothy 4:9-10
Listen: 2 Timothy 4

Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 2 Timothy 4:9-10

Demas’s departure is a significant loss to Paul. Demas was not just a run-of-the-mill member of Paul’s church-planting team. Paul relied on him. In Colossians, Paul describes Demas as a “dear friend” (Colossians 4:14). But now, this dear friend “deserted” him, a military term that means to abandon your post. This desertion hurts Paul. Abandoned by Demas, Paul becomes isolated in a Roman prison, awaiting a trial that will lead to his execution. Paul grieves the loss of a valuable member of his team. Mr. Reliable became Mr. Unreliable.

It’s likely we’ve experienced a loss like this too. These losses happen all too frequently, and they are always painful. A relationship heading for marriage suddenly ends. Pain-filled notes follow the wedding invitations. A business partner decides he is no longer interested in supporting the business. The operating budget is cut in half. The team’s starting shortstop walks away just days before the state tournament. Dreams of a championship are crushed. While these losses hurt, pain doesn’t mean we give up on everyone. We grieve, but we also continue to invest in relationships. God created us for relationships, even though some will result in pain and disappointment. We need to keep loving others and investing in the relationships God brings to us.

TODAY: If you’re experiencing a Demas-like loss, make sure you grieve the loss. Do not ignore it. One way to grieve is by turning to God in lament. Lament is an honest and painful prayer that states exactly how we feel and asks God for help. Laments also end with trust. After grieving and lamenting, entrust the relationship to God, knowing that he is in the business of restoration.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read 2 Samuel 15-16. Highlight anything that points to Jesus.