Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost: Epistle, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18                   

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

There is no ending to our faith in the sense that it connects us to our Eternal God and His work of securing for us eternal life in His very presence. But the dear apostle writing to his disciple Timothy near the close of his life gives marvelous comfort to the young pastor: “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8, ESV).

I wanted to print out that full portion of our reading because well, I love it. But beyond that, it is one of those pastoral texts that challenges my socks off. To put it mildly. Paul knows his end is coming. And it won’t be the result of a long illness. Paul’s been under a “guarded” house arrest in Rome and the chopping block looms large. But not too large in Paul’s thought. Why? Just  look at his focus. Paul sees his own life as an offering to God. Paul isn’t concerned about meeting some manufactured ministry quotas or securing his destiny or purpose. God’s got that. And Paul knows it. Then Paul writes about being at the “end” of his pursuit, his fight, his race, his faith.

I don’t think Paul is saying his faith is all used up or that he has no place for it any longer. Perhaps just the opposite is true. But Paul is absolutely clear on where his faith has brought him. Paul can stare death straight in the eyes because of Jesus. Paul will win through death because his Master has. And crossing the finish line into life that is truly life will garner Paul a crown from the nail-riven hands that won him the prize. Paul’s faith compels him to finish well. And he will. More to it. Paul will win because Paul has received his faith as a gift from the God who will fail neither him, nor us. All the way to the end Paul runs. Across the finish line. Receiving his reward. In the arms of his Savior. We’re almost there.