Feeling alone

Be diligent to come to me quickly; for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words. At my first defence no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. - 2 Timothy 4:9-16

This is one of the saddest passages I know of. Paul was about to die and he felt all alone. I think the saddest thing is where Paul says 'please bring my coat' because just a little later he writes 'please do you best to get here before winter.' He says 'bring my books and parchments.' We have seen a man who was bold and strong and forceful and full of courage and now he says 'please bring my coat before it gets cold. Be diligent about getting here. Make it a priority.'

But lets see why he felt so alone. 

Demas forsook me - he loved this present world too much.

Crsecens and Titus have left me

Alexander the coppersmith hurt me - watch out for him

At my first trial no one stood with me

Everyone forsook me

How sad to read that 'only Luke is with me.'

Tychicus was here, but I sent him to Troas

I really like one other comment - 'Get Mark and bring him with you.' Do you know who this Mark is? It is the same John Mark that Paul once refused to work with. Paul's heart had softened to the point that he admitted he was wrong about Mark. 

Praise God for faithful men like Paul. Praise God for faithful friends like TImothy and Tyhcicus and Luke. May their example be the kind that motivates us to stay faithful to the very end.