For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope — the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14
“Thus dost thou think to remain wealthy in body and not be controlled by any lust, and dost say that thou possessest the heavenly hope. Hear a word that holds good for thee. Consider what the Lord in the Gospel says to Mary: “Touch me not, says He, for I am not yet ascended to my Father!” O divine examples which have been written for us!”
“Pseudo-Titus” reported by Bart Ehrman in Lost Scriptures: Books That Did Not Make It Into The New Testament (New York: Oxford University Press, 2003) 246.
The Letter now known as “Pseudo-Titus” was unknown until discovered late in the nineteenth century in a very badly translated Latin manuscript produced some time in the eighth century, probably from a Greek original.
In Paul’s letter to Titus (today’s Scripture which we read two days ago but it’s worth repeating), Paul urged Titus to teach the people of Crete not to allow their passions and lusts to control them.
Instead, he wanted them to live godly lives while waiting for the blessed hope. And to be eager to do what is good. To do good is an expression in Paul’s letters for doing good works that come at a cost.
Interestingly, building on this idea, today’s excerpt from the letter attributed to Titus echoes Paul, and adds a thought from John’s Gospel. Here’s the text he had available to him.
Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” John 20:17.
Jesus had to finish His work and she needed to understand hers (as do we). He wanted her to tell others about His resurrection. If we hold on to wealth and pursue our desires, we fail to do the good work God expects of us.
We have work to do with whatever wealth we have while we wait for the blessed hope!
Today, I honor my daughter Sophie. She shines for Jesus like no other, and she’s focused on the work God has for her. On this, her birthday, I praise God for her new job with Wycliffe Bible Translators. Get to work, Sophie! Spread the word about Jesus!