18 day plan

Stormy Waters

Day 16 of 18

NIV

2 Timothy 4:7-8

7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now 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.

Reflection:  You may not finish life feeling you have realised all your ambitions. The mere fact that you are a Christian in a post-Christian world will mean that your heart will still ache for the millions around you who don’t yet know God. You will continue to be appalled at the godlessness you see and feel grief at the meaningless hedonistic culture that is overtaking the next generation.

This is situation “normal” for Christians. We understand that perfection won’t come until Jesus comes again and inaugurates the kingdom of God. The writer of Hebrews lists the heroes of faith in the Old Testament who pushed on in faith without seeing the reality of what they hoped for (Hebrews 11). Instead, they suffered horrendous persecution.

The fact is this: we can only “succeed” in the things we have control over. We need to come to the door of death having faithfully attempted the things God has called us to do… and having grown a character that is godly, wise and loving. Then we can say with a clear conscience, “I have finished the race”.

Prayer: Dear Father, my heart breaks at what I have not seen completed. But my heart thrills at what you will complete. Thank you for letting me see into the future so I can rejoice in it.

2 Timothy 4:1-22

1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now 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.

Personal Remarks

9Do your best to come to me quickly, 10for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

14Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

16At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

19Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.

20Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. 21Do your best to get here before winter.

Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.

22The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.