"friends" by Gary Rose

I have always loved the “Far side” pictures; their wit and hidden wisdom have always been a delicious mixture of bitter-sweet for me. This one caught my eyes today and I thought: you know, its not just true for bears…

Its a sad fact that people will “throw you under the bus” or “stab you in the back”, and often (like this bear) do it with a smile. If you have ever had this done to you, then this picture will mean something extra to you.

But, not everyone will “do you in”, for some will stay; some will remain faithful – regardless!!! Paul, near the very end of his life, penned these words to his protégé, Timothy…

2 Timothy 4 (World English Bible)

 ¹ I command you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom: ² preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching.  ³ For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts;  ⁴ and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables.  ⁵ But you be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry. 

  ⁶  For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come.  ⁷ I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.  ⁸ From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.  ⁹ Be diligent to come to me soon,  ¹⁰ for Demas left me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.  ¹¹ Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.  ¹² But I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.  ¹³ Bring the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus when you come, and the books, especially the parchments.  ¹⁴ Alexander, the coppersmith, did much evil to me. The Lord will repay him according to his works,  ¹⁵ of whom you also must beware; for he greatly opposed our words. 

  ¹⁶  At my first defense, no one came to help me, but all left me. May it not be held against them.  ^1 7But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me, that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.  ¹⁸ And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me for his heavenly Kingdom; to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.   (Emphasis added)

Paul was faithful, others were not, but God always is. He will never leave you or forsake you. On HIM you can depend, now and forever. The next time you offer prayers up to God, remember to thank HIM for HIS faithfulness!!! Why? Because unlike that bear in the picture- He sacrificed himself for YOU!!!

Praise God!!!