2 Timothy 2:7 Reflection, Insight

2 Timothy 2:7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

This verse is one of those verses that is able to bring together the human and the divine almost seamlessly. Paul wants Timothy to reflect on what he is saying.  He wants him to turn it over in his mind. The context is Timothy being strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus and passing on the message from Paul to reliable witnesses who can then teach others. He is to suffer as a soldier does, compete as an athlete does ... according to the rules and be like a hard working farmer waiting for the crop. Paul does not suppose, however, that mere reflection on Timothy's part is the answer. He believes the Lord will give Timothy insight into or understanding of all this. When we read Paul's words and other parts of Scripture we also ought to reflect on what we read. It is as we reflect that the Lord will give us insight into all this. Here is a good hermeneutical rule then - Reflect long and hard on Scripture and look to the Lord to give you insight into what he means.