This month, as we remember Mother’s Day, I want to remember two women: Lois, the grandmother of Timothy, and Eunice, Timothy’s mother. We hear the Apostle Paul declare: “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” (2 Tim. 1:5)
These women are remembered with an affection that suggests personal relationship. What we know for certain is that when Paul returned later to Lystra, Timothy was already a respected disciple of Jesus. Perhaps she lived with Eunice, helping her bring up young Timothy. Paul tells us that as a young child, Timothy learned the Scriptures: “Continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 3:14-15)
“You know those from whom you’ve learned it!” Who are “they”? I read this and can only think of Lois and Eunice — and perhaps others unnamed — who invested in Timothy’s formation in faith. Because of their faithful lives, Timothy was familiar enough with the Scriptures to be “wise for salvation.”
A story is told of four ministers discussing their preferred English translation of the Bible. One preferred the King James Version for its eloquent use of the English language. Another favored the New American Standard for its literal renderings of the original Greek and Hebrew. The third preferred the Good News Version for its contemporary language and easy readability. After a thoughtful silence, the fourth minister said, “I like my mother’s translation best.”
Surprised, the others said: “We didn’t know your mother had translated the Bible!”
“Yes, she did,” he replied. “She translated it into her daily life, and it was through her translation that I came to faith.”
All of us have special ones who have loved us into being children of God. Some are here. Some are far away. Some are even in heaven, where they join the saints around the throne still praying for us. We all have had spiritual parents. Will you be that for someone else?
Grace and Peace,