For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 2 Timothy 4:6
Sitting quietly before the Lord the words ‘poured out’ entered my mind. Often times I understand this to be that He is leading me ‘further in’ — to be with Him to learn something. To ‘pour out’ was mainly a concept from Old Testament Jewish practice of a sacrifice of some liquid (usually a costly wine) that was to be poured out on the alter — to symbolize the blood of life being given. I was drawn to these words of Paul which were most likely written to Timothy just before Nero had Paul executed / beheaded (A Roman citizen courtesy / a quick death). Paul knew that his time was short and I believe he was trying to soften the blow of the news of his death to his friends. Then Paul goes on to describe his faith.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 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 4:7-8
I realize the Lord still has me pondering the ‘last words’ of the apostles and faithful servants in Him over the past week. How powerful it is to have them. The zenith of life on earth, the final substance of a person’s life. In this culture we have mostly drugged away that precious ‘time’ that a person experiences that can be given to others at the finish line of their life. How much do our culture and community value our elders? How much is their wisdom worth? Humility would value it highly, but pride dismisses it as worthless. Those who understand and know their Creator and love Him — will have a great ‘graduation’ / celebration into His Kingdom / heaven.
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Psalms 116:15
The enemy would have us dismiss death, and tell us we can somehow avoid it, but our physical death is inevitable — from the ‘curse of Adam’. But our spirit and soul are eternal and will be sustained. Where our soul and spirit are kept in eternity is our GREAT choice, as Jesus spent His life so that we might spend it with Him in His Kingdom. The Psalms speak of God’s heart in many ways, and this line speaks of His love towards us knowing the travail of our passing from one state to another. Jesus experienced it all for us. What fellowship He desired with us who we the Father’s creation made in THEIR image must go through.
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, Hebrews 9:27
Isn’t it better to ponder these things before our appointed time? To have our faith solidified and certain knowing like Paul and facing the inevitable with courage and faith. So much so to leave actual words of encouragement for those who he was about to leave behind.
What would you want your last words to be to those you love and are leaving behind to carry on the Lord’s work when you are gone?
“Father draw near to us.”