By David ReayWednesday 16 Nov 2022LifeWords DevotionalsDevotionsReading Time: 2 minutes
As for me, I feel that the last drops of my life are being poured out for God. The glorious fight that God gave me I have fought. The course that I was set I have finished, and I have kept the faith. The future for me holds the crown of righteousness which God, the true judge, will give to those who have loved what they have seen of him. (PHILLIPS)
Some people face imminent death with dread: they fear entering some dark void or worse. They regret things undone, relationships severed, moments wasted. Other people are more hopeful, longing to be reunited in some sort of after life with their loved ones on earth.
Paul doesn’t belong to either of these categories. He has done what he was called by God to do. He has reached the finishing line, mission accomplished. There were hiccups and troubles and setbacks along the way, but he can die knowing his life was not wasted.
And he can die confident in the knowledge that God will accept him into his eternal family because of his own trust in Jesus. Since the perfect Jesus was accepted by God, so will all those who place their destinies in his hands. So, he has not only crossed the finishing line, he has won the race. Not because of his own goodness, but because of the merciful goodness of Jesus.
No vain regrets, no fear of some unknown limbo land, no resorting to wishful thinking about afterlife reunions. He will enjoy the new heavens and new earth with those who likewise love Jesus. One chapter of his life is soon to end; the never-ending story of his new life is about to begin.
Blessings
David