A Triumphant Journey and a Winner's Crown - Part III

II Timothy 4:6-8

In the last Studies (See Archives) we saw how the Apostle Paul could confidently say of his life, “I have fought the good fight.” (II Timothy 4:7) It was not a battle against flesh and blood but a much more significant battle, a battle for the souls of mankind, a battle with eternal ramifications.

Paul goes on to say, “I have finished the race.” (II Timothy 4:7) The race of life to which he refers is not a sprint. It is a marathon. It is a race that is much easier to begin than it is to finish. It is a race that requires staying power. According to legend, in 490 B.C., the Greek soldier, Pheidippides, ran twenty-five miles from the plains of Marathon to Athens to announce that the mighty Persian army had been defeated by a smaller but courageous army of Athenians. His final words before collapsing in death were reportedly, “Rejoice, we have conquered.”

In this race of life, it is my prayer that as we approach our final departure we can say, “We did not quit. We finished the race. We are victorious through Him.”

The Hebrew writer says of this race, “…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1) He goes on with these encouraging words, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:2-3)

As you “race” through 2009, do not lose heart, do not grow weary. He runs before you as an example. He runs with you as a support. Fix your eyes on Him and on the joy that is before you as you anticipate the victory at the finish line.

In our next Studies we will look at another way Paul prepared in this life for his ultimate journey.