Holy Tears

196 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 2Ti 1:3-5, “ I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. (2 Tim 1:3-5) As I read this, I keep wondering, “What was Timothy crying about? Why was Paul “mindful of his tears?” Why did the tears of Timothy fill Paul with joy! There is a connection between tears and joy! It's like the psalmist said in Ps 126:5 Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy.” These tears of Timothy are likely connected to the tears often accompanying repentance! Paul speaks of Timothy's genuine faith being brought to mind through these tears, and genuine faith is always connected to genuine repentance, which is godly (often tear producing) sorrow over sin. 2Co 7:10 says, “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” By the way, there is a huge difference between godly sorrow and the sorrow of the world. The tears of worldly sorrow pour forth only because the offender has been caught, he or she has been found out, and there will be a price to pay, hence the tears designed to stir up empathy, and temporary regret, but the tears of genuine repentance pour forth from the realization that the guilty party has offended a holy God. A God that loves them so much that He sent His only Son to die for their offense! The tears pour forth in part due to the realization that the price has been paid by God's Son Jesus! These are holy tears! And I believe these are the tears of Timothy that Paul witnessed and fondly remembered as he awaited his execution in a Roman prison. The remembrance of the tears of Timothy persuaded Paul that Timothy's faith was genuine and that Paul's work with the gospel was not in vain, but God had used him to lead someone to repentance and saving faith in Jesus. Think about your own time of genuine repentance, and perhaps God will stir up new tears of thanksgiving! Think also of your brothers and sisters who have experienced repentance and then thank God that the Holy Spirit is still in the business of leading people to genuine repentance and a flow of holy tears!