Finishing with joy ∙∙

Finishing with joy ∙∙

But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it to finish the work assigned to me by the Lord Jesus– the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. – Acts 20:24

2 Timothy 4:1-7

 1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom:

 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.

 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

 5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

 6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near.

 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.

In the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, an unforgettable moment unfolded. Derek Redmond was rounding the track on the 400-meter race when suddenly, he collapsed and crumpled down with a torn hamstring. Determined, he waved off the paramedics and began to limp, hop, and even crawl toward the finish line.

In a heart-stirring turn of events, Derek’s father burst from the stands, evading security to support his son. With tears streaming, Derek leaned on his father’s shoulders, and together they continued, step by step, as the stadium erupted with cheers and applause from 65,000 spectators, who were moved by the father and son’s shared resolve to finish what Derek started.

This powerful moment mirrors the spiritual journey we embark on when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. We join a divine race, part of God’s grand design for each of us. Our Heavenly Father has crafted a distinct path for every child of the King, a unique course set in eternity past, filled with His dreams and plans for our lives.

We are each endowed with the gifts and abilities necessary to fulfill our divine assignments. Embracing this journey requires our constant dedication and a willingness to recommit to the race laid before us, guided by the unwavering support and love of our Father.

In every race, there are three essential goals: striving to win, doing the best we can by pushing ourselves to the limit, ensuring we cross the finish line, and finding joy in the competition itself.

Yet, there are moments when defeat seems inevitable, and the urge to give up looms large. But then, a remarkable surge of supernatural energy from within us, almost like spiritual adrenaline, fuels our determination and perseverance. This inner strength propels us forward, overcoming obstacles and driving us to triumph, just as it did for Paul. The race is not only about the destination but also about the unwavering spirit with which we run.

Philippians 3:12-14

 12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.

 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,

 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

REFLECT & PRAY

I recognize that the game of life is just not fair. The Father never said it would be.

Father, encourage me to run the race You have graciously assigned to me, completing my tasks with integrity and endurance.

INSIGHT

At the heart of it all is what truly matters. Paul did not cling to his life as a precious possession to be protected at all costs. He didn’t seek out safety or build barriers to shield himself from danger. Instead, he was ready to risk everything for the Lord Jesus Christ, his Savior, his Lord, his Messiah, his closest friend.

What mattered most to Paul was faithfully fulfilling the assignment the Father entrusted to him: to spread the “Good News” that Jesus came to save sinners, with Paul himself acknowledging he was the foremost among them.

Paul distilled his mission into three powerful words in Greek: keruxon ton logon. Which translates as preach the word (2 Timothy 4:2) became his credo, his guiding principle, and the essence of his life. Paul was deeply in love with the Word of God. For Paul, preaching the Word was priority one. The truth and transformation it offered were treasures he eagerly shared, embracing the task given to him by the Father.

In the Father’s spiritual Olympics, Paul’s “event” was to proclaim the extraordinary grace of God (Acts 20:24), Which is what he lived for.

He determined to run his race with excellence and finish strong. The joy he found in sharing the “Good News” was unmatched and lasting. This same joy was shared by all the apostles and one that should resonate with every child of the King.

3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

To “walk in truth” means actively engaging with God’s Word: hearing it, receiving it, and wholeheartedly following its guidance. This journey is fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit. Walking in truth is where theory meets practice, transforming truth from a mere concept into a living, breathing force that saturates the spirit and soul of each child of the King. This truth shapes our thoughts and drives our actions, allowing us to reflect His likeness in our daily lives.

For those who teach the truth, there is no greater joy and fulfillment than witnessing this profound transformation in others.

Hebrews 12:1-5

 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now, he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

 5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you.”

In our journey of faith, we often face challenges and trials. Our Heavenly Father offers us encouragement to persevere and succeed by reminding us that others have completed this journey, and so can we.

In many sports, the best athletes are inducted into a Hall of Fame. Similarly, the Scriptures have a Hall of Fame for the Faithful Old Testament children of the King who ran the race. These heroes of the faith are the “great cloud of witnesses” mentioned in Hebrews 12:1.

These witnesses are not simply spectators in heaven watching us, like fans at an athletic event. The term “witnesses” refers to those who bear testimony to God’s faithfulness. Our English word “martyr” is derived from the Greek word martureo for “witness.” It takes on the sense of not merely observing but commending and approving what is observed. They attest to us that God is capable of guiding us through our trials.

“These people are not witnessing what we are doing; rather, they are bearing witness to us that God can see us through. God bore witness to them Hebrews 11:2, 4-5, 39) and they are bearing witness now to us” (Wiersbe).

These witnesses bear testimony to God’s faithfulness, showing us that with faith, we too can overcome.

The Hall of Fame for the Faithful still has openings.

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© Dr. H 2024