2 Timothy 4:1-8 - The Race

5k with my son, Sam's work team

        Our lives are a race.  If you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, you are a runner, metaphorically at least.  We do not know the time of our death (the length of our race).  The hour may be quite near - or far.  Either way, we must work through the course, fight through the pain, and keep on.  We must finish the race of life; we must remain faithful to Jesus Christ for He alone assigns the prizes.

        Each saint will receive a crown of righteousness from the righteous judge.  Each of us eagerly looks forward to Jesus' appearance.  God says that each of us will receive a prize as we deserve (2 Corinthians 5:10).  Your prize will be different than mine, just as your path and your race are different than mine.

        We may run together for a while and I pray that we are together when Jesus sets up His new Kingdom (4:1).  Jesus will set up His Kingdom.  On the judgment day of the Lord, all of the elements will be destroyed and God will make a new heaven and new earth (2 Peter 3:10).  God will not return secretly - when Jesus returns it will be the final day of judgment.  I don’t know what the new earth will be like, but I trust God.  God is Good.

        So let’s trust God for this promise of righteousness that only Jesus can give.

        Have clear thinking about the task at hand.  The task is hard but good.  Working at telling people the Good News of Jesus Christ.  We are to love God and love and obey His commands.

        Let’s focus on the Scriptures and good teaching.  Be patient, yes, but don’t suffer fools - don’t encourage or pretend that bad teaching is good.  I was reminded this week of the bad teachers who predicted Jesus would have to return by their calculations by 1920.  Then in the ‘70s, the calculations were adjusted by the same “scholars” to 1981.  Then again to 2000, then to 2014.  It goes on and on this false teaching.  Stop following them.

        Associate with good teachers, nay, be a good teacher!  Jesus said, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (Matthew 24:36).  As Paul explains in this passage, Jesus will return for His final judgment day.  That is God’s promise.

        Each of us plays a role in the body of Christ.  We are each part of the Church.  And for her to be healthy we must run well, carrying out the ministry God gives us.  Not sure what to do?  Do something, start somewhere.  Call someone today.  Pray for those that you know.  They trust Jesus and God commands us to pray for them.  Do so.  Ask God to bless them and keep them pure.  Help someone.  Give.  Share the Good News.  God gives more than enough light, but he expects us to get up and run.  If you need to start with a walk, so be it.

        It may sound ominous to say that we are preparing for judgment day, the day of Jesus appearing (4:1).  But that is what we are doing.  We are preparing for that holy, just, Sriputre-promised day.

        Let’s start by taking God seriously.  Let’s stop pretending, calling it in.  Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, died for us and loves us.  God tells us - each of us - that He will judge the living and the dead.  I believe it.

        God will judge the sitting President of this country, and the Prime Minister of my homeland to the North.  He will judge General Lee and President Grant.  Jesus will judge my grandpas and my dad and mom - each of my sons, my daughter, my son-in-law, and my grandsons.  And yes, my beautiful, loving, hard-working wife.  Jesus is the Savior and Judge.  What a sobering thought.  I pray that Jesus gives each of us the prize for finishing the race well - remaining faithful to our King (4:7).

        Please be careful to teach well.  Paul warns us that many follow the desires of their human nature, rejecting the truth, and chasing after myths.

        Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people - people God surrounds you with  - believers - with good teaching.

        Keep a clear mind in every situation.  Don’t be afraid of suffering for Jesus - that’s the least of our worries.  And fully carry out the ministry God gives you.

        Sinners saved by God’s sacrifice, Christians, must trust in God alone and listen to Him.  Does the modern church have divided loyalty?  Help her be faithful.  Do we worship money, country, men, and machines?  Be in the world but not of it.

        God is building His Kingdom today - it is forcefully advancing (Matthew 11:12).  Jesus reigns in heaven right now - and He will return to this earth before He makes a new one.

        God is watching Christians closely.  He sees every sin (Jeremiah 16:17).  Jesus paid for every sin of the believer - past, present, and future (Colossians 2:13-14).  If you and I, those called by Jesus’ holy name, have divided loyalty we will not have God’s blessing and we will be ineffective in producing lasting works - saved souls (James 1:7-8).

        Help us LORD to be faithful to you alone.  Show your power today.  Lord God, please run with us as we go.  Amen.

Turkey Trotters