2 Timothy 4:14–15 (ESV) — 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message.
NOTE: We don't know who Alexander was. He may have been an Ephesian Jew who led the accusations against Paul, but the name was common at the time. 'Alexander' represents men who work to destroy Christians. They are evil and "THE LORD WILL REPAY HIM ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS." Somewhere else it says, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. There is nothing we can do which comes even close to the fires of eternal hell. And, we should have some compassion, for we were headed there too before Jesus saved us. There will always be people who oppose the message. Unfortunately, they are even in the church. They are twisted, argumentative, and arrogant. They are actually easily recognizable. There is no love in their hearts. The message is simple, beware of these people and keep your distance.
PONDER:
- Who are the "Alexander's" I have encountered in life?
- Do I still bear resentment against them, or have I moved on?
- Have I forgive them? If so, do I pray for their salvation?
PRAYER: Father, may I never be that person. May I never treat someone so terribly. May I never think of myself so highly or so much better. Search me, and show me my heart. Reveal in me my sin.
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