Way to Live & Way to Go Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6 - 8

“As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” 

Someone once wrote this profoundly simple poem about the lives that you and I have been entrusted with: ‘One brief life will soon be past, only what is done for Christ will last’. Not many of us know exactly when or even the season when God will call us home, so we are to be those who order our days (and nights) according to the faithfulness that God expects from us and has equipped us for by the resurrection of Jesus Christ and Person and power of the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle Paul did know that the time of his departure was at hand, and in these versus as a living testimony of the amazing grace of God on his life and the effect it can have if we will choose to follow shows us exactly the, ‘Way to Live & Way to Go’!

Paul testifies that he poured out all of his life as an acceptable offering to God, setting his sights on those things that are above and eternal rather than chasing after earthly treasures which do shine brightly down here but will fade away and are absolutely nothing in comparison. He knew that graduation day was before him and was able to say that he had fought the good fight. Now we know and observe people fighting about all kinds of things, but as God’s children we must carefully choose what we will stand up and take action on in the Spirit of God.

Paul reminds us that this Christian life of ours is not a hundred-yard dash, but rather is the greatest marathon race that anyone could ever train for, or participate in. God has not called us just to dress up and look good, but to press on, even through the walls of the run, until like Paul we eventually will faithfully cross the finish line.

And what a celebration day that will be. The prize that awaits the faithful in Christ Jesus is something that we have never seen, heard, experienced down here – something so great that not even our minds are able to imagine what God is preparing for those of us who put Him in first place. For Paul reminds us that this great eternal reward is not only for him, or even a privileged few, but for everyone who is looking up to Jesus with great hope and expectation, the One who is both the Author and the Finisher of our faith. 

Prayer My Father in heaven, teach me I pray to number my days. Holy Spirit fill me to long for and follow all of Your ways. Use me Lord for the rest of my days I pray through Jesus Christ my Savior and Lord. Amen. 

Memory Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:24“____ will _____ this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.”