Paul uses a word for ‘left’, v. 5, that is rendered elsewhere as ‘forsook’. What was it that made his departure from Crete so sudden and unexpected? He certainly didn’t feel too good about it. However, God had a servant in Titus that Paul could have confidence in to do the many things that he himself would have done, had the circumstances been different.
Can the Lord, at short notice, trust you with heavy responsibilities? Are you strong enough to ‘hold the fort’ and do the work should He need you to? So many have recoiled at the slightest thought that they might have to bear major responsibility. It’s not a day for yielding, but rather for standing, Eph. 6. 13.
Once again Titus found himself in a difficult spot. Naturally we all want it easy but rarely is it so. The island of Crete had a mountainous interior making necessary a journey by sea every time you needed to get to the other side. Its population was notorious for possessing unpleasant national traits. They were consistent liars, brutally cruel, and ‘layabouts’ wanting only to gorge themselves with food, v. 12. It was a colourful environment, but not particularly fertile ground for godly living! Thank God that Titus was not of the nature to give in easily. Paul’s letter comes as a support and encouragement to a servant called to serve in difficult times and in a difficult place. Remind yourself again today that, ‘there is nothing too hard for the Lord’, Jer. 32. 17.
Knowing the situation in Crete enables us to appreciate the calibre of the man that God used to do what needed to be done for Him. He must have been positive, practical and sensitive; he was strong, determined and dedicated. God grant us aspirations after such qualities so as to serve Him better.
What was it that he was required to do? Appoint elders – that is, using his mature spiritual judgement, to point out those with leadership qualities – not an easy task! Also, to set in order things that were lacking – that is, to make right the things that were absent, v. 5. We, too, see much that needs to be done, and so little time to do it! Let us not fail to accept, willingly, the tasks the Lord asks us to do for Him today.
