The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in 2 Timothy 4:6-8,
"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 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."
As Paul confides in Timothy that his life is drawing to a close, he sums up his life in the briefest fashion and speaks of what awaits him following his death.
He tells Timothy he has fought the good fight, he has finished "the race" and kept the faith. His words here remind me of the writer of Hebrews who encourages his readers, "We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end." Hebrews 3:14. Now, at the end of his life, Paul has become a model of what that looks like.
"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 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."
As Paul confides in Timothy that his life is drawing to a close, he sums up his life in the briefest fashion and speaks of what awaits him following his death.
He tells Timothy he has fought the good fight, he has finished "the race" and kept the faith. His words here remind me of the writer of Hebrews who encourages his readers, "We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end." Hebrews 3:14. Now, at the end of his life, Paul has become a model of what that looks like.
Paul completed the work Jesus had called him to do. It was a huge assignment, a work that continues to have impact on the world yet today. Now at the end, Paul says his reward awaits him, "the crown of righteousness". This is a crown, he says, the Lord will award him on "that day." He also points out that all who long for the appearing of Jesus Christ (at the end of the age) will receive the same.
As I read Paul's words here, I can't help but think of my own life. Have I completed all the Lord desires of me during my time in this life? Can I say of myself the things Paul said of himself? Does my confidence rise to the level of Paul's as I consider what awaits me "on that day"?
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
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