4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith:
GRACE AND PEACE from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour. Titus 1
Paul’s first words to Titus are to acknowledge their relationship in their common faith and then to bless him in the name of the Father and Christ Jesus. We could say that it’s the usual form of letter writing of the time, but Paul does Bless Titus, the one whom he’s depending on in Crete.
I listened recently to someone recounting a lesson of the Holy Spirit to Praying Hyde in India. Praying Hyde was about to go into prayer for an evangelist in India whom he thought cold and ineffective. He’d already spoken the words, ‘Lord you know how…’ and his next words would have been as his thoughts above, but the Holy Spirit stopped him. The Spirit told him not to ever come before the Father criticising His servants. I believe Hyde was told to give thanks for the evangelist and praise God for him. By and by as those prayers went up to God, the man’s ministry became anointed and many souls were saved. God and the devil want to use the tongues of men to help build their kingdoms and we will use them one way or the other! (The Lord also blessed Praying Hyde with an incredible ministry in India, because of his sensitivity and faithfulness to God).
5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. Titus 1
Paul reminds Titus the reasons why he’d left him in Crete, to complete outstanding work in the Church and specifically to appoint elders in every town. A body of believers only becomes a church when elders have been appointed and Titus had authority before God for this task.
Finishing the work is important to God and for ourselves. A trail of unfinished tasks is a poor testimony for everyone, including believers. This may be for someone reading this blog now!
2 By the seventh day God had FINISHED THE WORK HE HAD BEEEN DOING; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Genesis 2:2
“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to FINISH HIS WORK. John 4:34
I HAVE BROUGHT YOU GLORY ON EARTH BY FINISHING THE WORK you gave me to do. John 17:4
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “IT IS FINISHED.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30
I have fought the good fight, I have FINISHED THE RACE, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
There’s a Satisfaction in Finishing a task and knowing it’s been done well. The Bible commends Finishing the work entrusted to us and the promise of recognition and reward when it’s done.
24 “‘“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’
27 “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” Numbers 6