Reading: 2 Timothy
4:7-8
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept
the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to
me but to all who have longed for his appearing.”
How did Paul interpret his finish? He still lived for several years
past the Biblical narratives of him, but the scripture is silent of this season
as it is over the first ten years in the wilderness after his first encounter
with Jesus.
After a long chronicle of Abraham’s faith walk there is silence re him
as well after he was willing to sacrifice Isaac in trust to the Lord’s purpose.
Moses’ first call was to lead his people out of Egypt, yet scripture
notes that he finished the Tabernacle and later Solomon finished the Temple.
Jesus said, “It is finished,” while on the cross yet He continues to pour out
His grace daily.
We all have life markers and project markers that we can point to with
either a sense of accomplishment, or a sense of regret, and sometimes both
together. Perhaps in our daily race to complete tasks we yearn for Paul’s
confidence in a finish and wonder what that looks like for our spiritual life
too. We gravitate to a desire for results.
Yet maybe the clue lies in the second sentence? “I have kept the
faith.” Maybe something happened to Paul where he really ‘got’ what walking
with God meant. Maybe it’s not an always active accomplishment but a heart one—a
trust one—an unbreakable faith.
Not measurable by visible standards or markers or by others. But a
light bulb insight into faith that overpowers any of our human weaknesses and
empowers our complete trust in all circumstances.
Lord, by Your grace, please guide and direct and strengthen each of us
to fulfill the call You choose with hearts of faith and trust and commitment.
Psalm of Worship: 1 John 1:4
“We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.”
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