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Ring of Truth provides 366 daily ‘proofs’ that the Bible is consistent throughout from Genesis to Revelation, and relevant for our lives today!
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2 Timothy 4:6-8
“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store 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 longed for His appearing.”
Paul was an amazing man.
As he told us in 2 Corinthians 6 & 11, he probably endured more for Jesus than anyone else in history and yet he neither gave up nor became bitter. Even to the end he was faced with the dichotomy – shall I die and be with Jesus, or shall I stay and bless the Church?
We are blessed because he was prepared to continue to the end. He was humble enough to know that he was human enough to blow it, and yet he also knew the power of God to sustain him and God’s grace to keep him through every experience. He was prepared to lay down his life for his Saviour and Master, Christ Jesus, both for as long as he had breath and also as he drew his last one. He knew that sometimes it is harder to ‘live’ for Jesus than it is to ‘die’ for Jesus.
But as he was already ‘dead to himself’, all that was left was the life of Christ, which would get even better in His Presence. He knew what his calling was and he also knew his destiny in God.
Ananias would have undoubtedly told him what God had revealed to him - “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My Name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for My Name” (Acts 9:15-16).
Yet Paul was a true “living sacrifice” (see Romans 12:1) and saw himself “poured out like a drink offering” to God to the end. And his end was triumphant. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, [and] I have kept the faith.” These are not words of regret, disappointment or futility. These are the words of an overcomer and a champion.
What a fantastic testimony – Oh, that I may be able to say the same. How many people end their lives with regret? How many look back and wish it had been different? Listen – the ‘worst of sinners’ ends his life in victory. That is the grace of God.
You can still say the same. Go and fulfil your destiny whatever the cost. Don’t wait – you might be too late. Don’t live another day in defeat and regret. God is the God of mercy and of today. “His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
So get up, get out of your rut – rise, take up your bed and walk (see Luke 5:17-26). Don’t wait another day. Don’t put it off – you can still get the crown but you will have to make it your non-negotiable No. 1 priority.
Be like Paul – end with the climax and in triumph.
There is a crown waiting for you, too – if you want it. Don’t settle for less.
Jesus is worth it, isn’t He?
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