What other biblical figures show similar eagerness as Titus in their missions? Eagerness Embodied: Titus’s Example • 2 Corinthians 8:17: “For not only did he accept our invitation, but he is coming to you with great eagerness and on his own initiative.” • Two key marks of Titus: – Great eagerness (a willing, enthusiastic spirit). – Self-initiated action (he needed no external pressure). Old Testament Voices of Eager Obedience • Isaiah – Isaiah 6:8: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for Us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” – Immediate, voluntary response parallels Titus’s “own initiative.” • Ruth – Ruth 1:16: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go…” – Her prompt, wholehearted commitment to Naomi’s God and people reflects the same eager devotion. • David – 1 Samuel 17:32: “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine. Your servant will go and fight him.” – Willingness to act when others hesitated mirrors Titus’s readiness. • Nehemiah – Nehemiah 2:5: “If it pleases the king… send me to Judah so that I can rebuild it.” – Proactive initiative in God’s mission, not waiting for someone else to step forward. New Testament Echoes of Titus’s Zeal • Andrew and Philip – John 1:41–43: Andrew “first found his brother Simon” and Philip “found Nathanael”; both hurried to share the Messiah. • Paul – Acts 9:20: “And immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, ‘He is the Son of God.’” – The same “immediately” seen in Titus’s quick acceptance of Paul’s request. • Apollos – Acts 18:25: “He spoke and taught about Jesus accurately… and he spoke with great fervor.” – Eagerness coupled with sound doctrine. • Mary Magdalene – John 20:18: “Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord!’” – Swift witness after encountering the risen Christ. Shared Traits Among the Eager • A heart already surrendered to God before the assignment arrives. • Sensitivity to the Spirit’s prompting, not human applause. • Willingness to act at once, often at personal cost. • Encouragement of others—eagerness is contagious (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:2). Living Out This Eagerness Today Scripture consistently celebrates those who, like Titus, step forward without delay. The same Spirit who energized Isaiah, Ruth, David, Nehemiah, Andrew, Philip, Paul, Apollos, and Mary stands ready to stir modern believers toward prompt, wholehearted participation in God’s work—whether across the globe or across the street. |
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