For I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for me to depart is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith! Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day—and not to me only, but also to all who have set their affection on his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:6-8 NET
When your life in this world is approaching its end, what will you think about? Will you regret what you might or might not have done? Might you might be hoping to extend your time in this life? Will you be anxious about what lies ahead or eagerly looking forward to it?
During an earlier prison stay, Paul had expressed a desire to depart and be with Christ (Phil. 1:23), and that time was now at hand. He was once again in a Roman prison. And he believed this time it would end with his execution.
When Paul looked back on his life, it was with no regrets, no wishing he had worked harder, no regrets over missed opportunities. He had competed well, finished the race, and kept the faith. He had given 100% to the task the Lord assigned him.
And now he was confident about what awaited him—the crown of righteousness. He looked forward to hearing his Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness! (Matt. 25:23).
What a wonderful example this is for us. To give our all to the Lord now so that when our time to depart draws near, we can face it without regrets. And we can look forward with confidence to the crown that awaits us.
I am so happy I came across your teachings this morning,looking forward to your daily devotionals and teachings,I been a Christian for 18 years, and I pray everyday for God to fill me with wisdom and knowledge, to know him and serve him better..Thankyou,and God bless you..
Thanks for sharing. I do pray the Lord will continue to bless your journey. And that A Clay Jar can be a productive part of it.