I had the opportunity to attend a funeral recently. I say “opportunity” because Solomon said it is good to visit the “house of mourning” (Ecclesiastes 7:2). I have no idea when the end of my life will come. I also have no idea when the Lord will come. But I want to be able to say what Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:6-8.
Readiness: “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand” (v. 6). Paul knew his time was short and he was ready to go. We’ve always got to be ready as well because we have been born again (John 3:3, 5), because we are awaiting His coming (Titus 2:11-14), and because we are abiding in Him (John 15:1-7).
Review: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (v. 7). If we can review our lives and see this pattern of faithfulness, we should be happy. We will not live perfect lives, but we can live faithful lives. If we have not lived faithful lives, we can start now.
Reward: “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (v. 8). Because Paul loved the appearing of his Lord, he lived for the Lord (1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
Kyle Campbell
