Encouragement Amid Meditation on 1 Timothy 2:4

Having covered 1 Timothy 2:1–7, we’ll take time this Sunday to reflect more carefully on verse 4, where we’re told that God “desires all people to be saved.” The reality of hell and the persistence of unbelief prompt important questions about how we understand statements like this one—and as we’ll see, there are many such statements in Scripture.

As I’ve prepared this week, I came across a poem written by John Ryland around the turn of the 19th century. It offers a rich and Christ-centered focus for our thoughts. I hope it blesses and encourages you as it has me. 

Sov'reign Ruler of the skies,

Ever gracious, ever wise;

All my times are in thy hand,

All events at thy command.

His decree who form'd the earth

Fix'd my first and second birth;

Parents, native place, and time,

All appointed were by him.

He that form'd me in the womb,

He shall guide me to the tomb;

All my times shall ever be

Order'd by his wise decree.

Times of sickness, times of health;

Times of penury and wealth;

Times of trial and of grief;

Times of triumph and relief;

Times the tempter's power to prove

Times to taste the Savior's love

All must come, and last, and end

As shall please my heavenly Friend.

Plagues and deaths around me fly;

Till he bids, I cannot die;

Not a single shaft can hit,

Till the God of love sees fit.