The Strength of Loyal Servants
The ability of an apostate adds nothing to his credit. It is rather detrimental to his character. Some very able men have turned against the truth, and have carried multitudes with them; but that did not alter the truth. Alexander the coppersmith was of this class, and was able to so withstand the gifted Paul that he won the mass of the people to his side. Paul says that Alexander did him much evil, and he warned Timothy to beware of him. The apostle says, "At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me." But Paul was not discouraged; he prayed for the misguided victims of his able opponent. And it appears that the victory was only temporary; for Paul adds: "Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom." So the ablest opponents to the Lord's cause can avail nothing against the servant who prays for his enemies, and looks to God for his strength. For God is able to make the wrath of man to praise Him.