Finishing Well. 2 Timothy 4:6-8.
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.
Dear Christ’s Ambassadors,
Paul is definitely not one of those who “preach water and drink wine.” What he has encouraged Timothy to do, he himself has set the example and is at the penultimate point.
Libation(v. 6).The use of a drink offering as an illustration of Paul’s impending execution is deliberate. We encounter drink offerings as far back as the time of Jacob (Genesis 35:14). But most interesting and intriguing is the burnt offering, the lamb that is offered with a drink offering (Exodus 29:40-41). One has cause to imagine that Paul saw Christ as the lamb and himself as the drink offering. Christ’s sacrifice sufficed for all time to take our sins away. But our personal sacrifice, if we honoured with martyrdom, is like the accompanying drink offering. As grave and solemn the looming execution is, Paul no doubt sees it as an exceptional honor.
Legacy (v. 7).Paul’s joy is in knowing that he has not “dropped the baton.” He probably has in mind his earlier exhortation to Timothy (2:3-6). As a soldier he has “fought the good fight.” As an athlete he has “finished the race.” As a farmer he has “kept the faith” – meaning that he has worked faithfully, tirelessly and patiently.
Laurel (v. 8). Paul gives the victor’s crown that he is anticipating an interesting designation – the “crown of righteousness.” Victory in the Christian walk is victory over sin. A righteous life is the best demonstration of the grace of God in a person. Note that Paul also refers to Christ as the righteous judge. This points to the fairness of his judgment as well as to his character, which we all should imitate. Note also that the crown of righteousness is not reserved for Paul alone but for “all who have loved his appearing.” Two thoughts come to mind here – John’s words, “And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure” (1 John 3:3); and the words of Jesus himself, “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes” (Matthew 24:45-46).
Those who wait eagerly for the Lord’s appearing prepare for that appearing by living to please him. Are you waiting eagerly? Is it evident in the way you live?
your Loving Pastor Chris.