In the footsteps of Titus (4)

"That's why I left you in Crete, so that you put in order what remains to be settled ..." Titus 1. 5

Titus in Crete

Around 64 AD, the Apostle Paul leaves the island of Crete to return to Ephesus, before traveling to Greece. He leaves Titus on this island to finish putting the assemblies in order. The task is not easy. The bad reputation of the Cretans, according to one of their own poets, was proverbial (Titus 1:12) ; a certain disorder had settled among the Christians, for there were "many insubordinate vain talkers and deceivers, especially those of circumcision" (that is, the Jews) (1:10) ; they taught "Judaic fables and commandments of men".

Paul does not hide from Tite the difficulties that lie ahead. Titus is warned, but he has been well prepared. Over the years, the apostle had trained his spiritual son (Titus 1: 4). Titus walked in the same spirit and in the same footsteps as Paul (2 Corinthians 12:18) who calls him his child (Titus 1. 4), his brother (2 Corinthians 2:13), and then calls him partner and companion (8. 23). He could count on Paul's prayers.

The two missions of Titus at Corinth had formed him. He had helped to put order in the delicate affairs of the assembly and to regulate abuses. He was also in charge of collecting for the poor in Jerusalem (2 Cor. 8, 6, 16). These missions, which Paul had entrusted to him, had demanded as much intelligence as zeal and moral authority. But moral authority does not delegate, it was a result of his conduct. This is why Paul says to him : "Exhort the young men to act wisely, showing you yourself in every respect a model of good works ; showing, in teaching, purity of doctrine, of gravity, of sound speech that can not be condemned, so that the one who opposes is confused, having nothing to say about us" (Titus 2 7, 8).

Perhaps you are also in a difficult situation right now. Trust in the Lord, he will give a way out when the time comes. Spiritual tensions and suffering are used by the Lord to train and mature his servants and maids. And disappointments and tears often help to better live as children of God. And then, difficulties teach us patience, perseverance and mutual support.

Source (Pleasing the Lord)