SCRIPTURE: “ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2Tim. 4:7-8 (KJV)
QUOTE: “It was becoming clearer and clearer that if I wanted to come to the end of my life and not say, I have wasted it, then I will need to press all the way in, and all the way up, to the ultimate purpose of God and join Him in it. If my life was to have a single, all-satisfying, unifying passion, it would have to be God’s passion. – John Piper
NOTE:
As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, our goal should always be to conclude our lives on earth by fulfilling God’s will. At this point, Paul candidly addressed his coming death. In contrast to what he wrote in his letter to the Philippians, there was no uncertainty (Philippians 1:21-24). Though it may be delayed, weeks or months. He knew he was going to die and be with Christ. As Paul reflected on his Christian life and ministry, he had no regrets. He certainly had remorse over his pre-conversion acts of violence against believers, but he also knew he had been completely forgiven. He put his past behind him and pursued the goal concerning his divine assignment and the prize promised by the Father to all whoever would be faithful and finish well. This of course includes you and I.
ILLUSTRATION:
“Samuel addressed all Israel: “I have granted your request in every respect,” he said. “I have set a king over you 2 and now the king will lead you. As for me, I am old and gray, and my sons are among you. I was your leader from my youth to the present day. 3 Here I stand! Answer me in the presence of the Lord and the Lord’s anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated? Whom have I wronged? From whom have I accepted a bribe and shut my eyes because of it? I will make restitution to you.” 4 They replied, “You have neither cheated us, nor oppressed us, nor accepted anything from anyone.” 5 So he said to them, “The Lord is witness against you this day, and the Lord’s anointed is witness, that you have found nothing in my possession.” “The Lord is witness,” they said” (1Sam. 12:1-5 ASV).
REFLECTION:
What steps can we take in order to live in God’s will throughout our Christian lives?
TWO YEAR BIBLE READING: 2 Chronicles 10 – 12, Psalm 60