II Timothy 4:9-12 “Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.”

Paul often spoke of a young man named Timothy; one whom he considered his son in the faith; “Thou therefore, my son” (II Timothy 2:1). Paul’s young comrade was also a fellow-soldier and fellow-servant of the Lord. Paul wrote two letters to this young man preparing him for the ministry that awaited him. In the closing remarks of Paul’s second letter to Timothy, Paul cries out for Timothy’s assistance. In the final chapter of the second letter, Paul make a passionate cry for his friend’s presence on two specific occasions; “Do thy diligence to come” (vs.9 & 21). It was not a co-worker that Paul needed, it was a companion. Paul needed the company of a friend! Paul’s earthly journey was coming to a conclusion and he was ready to go. But until God called him home, Paul needed the help that only a friend could provide. In many cases, the peace and comfort that is needed by another can’t be purchased with your possessions, procured with platitudes, but can only be produced by your presence! When it comes to the help of a friend; you never get to old or too big that you do not need it nor too young or too little that you cannot give it! Paul could call on the friendship of Timothy because Paul had been a friend to Timothy! One must not forget the law of “Sowing and Reaping! “For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7 Much of what you do for others will determine what they do for you. The Bible says, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly” (Proverbs 18:24). Jesus was remembered for His friendship. The Pharisees called Him “a friend of publicans and sinners” (Matthew 11:19). Before going to the cross, Jesus called His disciples together and said, “Henceforth I call you not servants . . . but I have called you friends” (John 15:15). The investments of friendship today are the dividends of tomorrow! Will you have any?