Straining Toward the Finish Line
Real People, Real Events
It is easy to read the Bible as a theological treatise. We can break it down paragraph by paragraph, and verse by verse, squeezing doctrinal truths out of it, often narrowing our analysis to a single word. “Why would the apostle Paul choose this word over that word?” Those of you who have been reading my work for years are snickering, saying, “Yeah, Damon, you do this all the time!”
You’re right. I do. And I love it!
It is both fine and fun to give such scrutiny to scripture. Just remember that though there are deep, impactful, sacred truths embedded there, scripture is also a record of true events happening to real people just like you and just like me. They laughed. They cried. They experienced pain, cold, heat, fear, and elation.
Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers. The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.
– 2 Timothy 4:21-22, ESV
Finish Strong
Paul is getting close to the finish line. We can say with confidence that this is the last time Paul will write to Timothy, and many argue that this is Paul’s last letter to anyone. Paul writes during his second imprisonment, in anticipation of his own death which came as a beheading, likely around 67 A.D.
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
– 2 Timothy 4:6-7, ESV
In 2014, Utah was playing Oregon in a football game and believed they had scored a second touchdown, thereby increasing their lead to 14 – 0. This was not the case, however, because Utah’s Kaelin Clay let the football fall to the ground just prior to crossing the goal line, and celebrated by thumping his chest and belly-bucking an excited teammate. The hometown crowd roared their elation and high-fived each other as the players on the field celebrated the 78-yard scoring pass play…until an Oregon defender picked up the ball and ran it all the way to the opposing end zone for a touchdown, tying the game at 7 – 7.
Similar occurrences can be found in varied collegiate and professional sporting events. Competitors let up just prior crossing the finish line and end up being beaten by others who exert themselves through the finish line.
Coasting to a finish is never a good idea.
The apostle Paul was both faithful to the Lord Jesus and fruitful in Jesus’ service, and the service of the gospel, right up to his last breath. He fought the good fight, and he finished the race.
Paul endured unimaginable hardship as a disciple of Jesus: exhaustion, sleeplessness, hunger, thirst, exposure, beatings, whippings, being stoned and left for dead. Yet he pressed on, faithfully representing Jesus whenever and wherever possible. He died penniless, lonely, and cold, but faithful. He did not complain of his hardships. Rather, he focused on his readiness to be offered.
Paul’s Longings
Do your best to come to me soon.
– 2 Timothy 4:9, ESV
Twice, Paul asked for Timothy to come soon—to come before winter. Knowing his life was close to its end, Paul hungered for Timothy’s company one last time. Please come soon. Do what you must to get here as quickly as you can. Paul’s affection for his beloved son in the faith is evident.
I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.
– 2 Timothy 1:3b-4, ESV
A Special Request
When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.
Do your best to come before winter.
– 2 Timothy 4:13, 21a, ESV
In his dungeon, Paul didn’t even have a coat to stave off the prison cold, and winter was near. To be candid, I cannot imagine living in such appalling circumstances, yet those circumstances were not Paul’s main concern. Yes, he asked for his coat, but what he really wanted was the books, and above all, he wanted the parchments. Paul wanted to read, to study, to keep preparing himself for whatever was coming. What a tremendous example for us this man of faith is!
A Better Focus
At Long-View Living Ministries, we are intentional about a forward focus, and encourage that in all disciples. While our circumstance may be physically unpleasant, unhealthy, perhaps even fatal, it is not our ultimate destiny.
Though Paul was in chains for the gospel,1 though Alexander the coppersmith had done him great harm,2 though all deserted him and none came to his defense,3 though a plurality of evil deeds were carried out against him,4 Paul’s focus was elsewhere.
Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.
– Philippians 3:8, ESV
Our circumstances are exactly that and nothing more—circumstances. We must get beyond the default response of reacting to God considering our circumstances and train ourselves to react to our circumstances considering God. Now, this moment, is such a fleeting moment, but there is an eternity laid out for us, timeless and beautiful. That is out goal, our focus, our finish line. With his death in sight, that was Paul’s focus. May it be ours as well.
Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved his appearing.
– 2 Timothy 4:8, ESV
1. Acts 26:29, Philippians 1:12-14
2. 2 Timothy 4:15
3. 2 Timothy 4:16
4. 2 Timothy 4:18
