Years ago, a freedom fighter was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment. He spent 27 years in prison and ultimately became the president of his country when he was released. Nelson Mandela is a globally acclaimed hero. His quest for peace with his enemies granted him international awards and recognition. Mandela’s first marriage survived prison; he divorced two years after his release. His concern was loneliness. Mandela accused the wife of an extra marital affair. Just imagine the pain this would have brought on Mandela. for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. (2 Timothy 4:10a) The Apostle Paul was in and out of prison for the sake of the gospel. Just before he faced martyrdom, he wrote a letter to Timothy. Demas had deserted Paul. The man about to face the death sentence longed to see familiar faces. He was lonely. He had only Luke with him as the other coworkers were on other assignments. Why did Demas leave Paul? According to Paul, Demas loved this world. Paul was in chains and at the verge of being killed, Demas who was once a faithful coworker left Paul and moved to Thessalonica to live his life. Did Paul do anything wrong? No! In fact, in the same letter Paul reiterated this: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”(2 Timothy 4:7-8). Paul knew that he had an imperishable reward awaiting him but he longed to see for familiar faces. In Matthew 26, Jesus stated that, whatever you do for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you do for Him (Matthew 25:40). This includes visiting those in prison. How do you treat your friends and family when they are in challenging times? Do you stand with them or do you desert them? Supporting someone is not just monetary endeavour, sometimes, your presence, prayers, words of encouragement and availability is what keeps others alive. Do not be a Demas. We are in the 11th hour and people are going through lots of stuff. Be a shoulder to lean on. Don’t pretend to care but leave them in loneliness. Depression is real and it can kill. Be a support system!
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