Persecution, Prison and a Plan
"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
2 Timothy 4:6-7
Quite the epitaph that Paul delivers here of his own life. At this point, in his letter to Timothy, he is in prison and feels like death is eminent. I find it intriguing that Paul spends his words on encouragement and instruction for the church. I picture myself, or any other believer today in the United States who ends up in prison, on death row, because of the Faith. Would I (or the average believer) be writing letters of encouragement or instruction to my friends and fellow believers?
I can imagine that my letters might be to some important figure, asking to speak on my behalf. My goal being to get a pardon. It makes sense, right? Why would God end the life of a believer who so threatens the enemy that prison and/or death is the result? Doesn't it seem like an extension of freedom and life would glorify the kingdom...extending the effectiveness of a ministry?
My perspective is certainly one of reason. I would also hold that it is shortsighted. Paul obviously has a grasp on the eternal. He knows that he has done what he set out to do (fought the good fight and finished the race). He also knew that he was replaceable. God's design is not to manifest Himself in one effective individual, but to manifest Himself in each believer. His glory comes when believers use what they have to further the kingdom. Paul understood this and was encouraging Timothy (in this case) to continue spreading and strengthening the faith.
Ironically, and historically, when believers are persecuted it does not cause a mistrust in the Lord or His plan. Rather, persecution bolsters faith and causes people to believe in the gospel. Perhaps Paul also understood this. When believers believe to the point of death they somehow become this "offering" that Paul calls himself. In every case, God honors the sacrifice of an offering.
What a plan.
God, your ways are far above mine. I don't understand You, but I see you work and want all of You and Your plan in my life. Thank You for Paul's example and extreme sacrifice. Thank You for his encouragement to the church and to me. Go with me today, that I would be an encouragement to those I meet. In the face of persecution, Lord, give me Paul's attitude and an eternal perspective. I love you, Lord. You are my great Mystery.
Amen.
I can imagine that my letters might be to some important figure, asking to speak on my behalf. My goal being to get a pardon. It makes sense, right? Why would God end the life of a believer who so threatens the enemy that prison and/or death is the result? Doesn't it seem like an extension of freedom and life would glorify the kingdom...extending the effectiveness of a ministry?
My perspective is certainly one of reason. I would also hold that it is shortsighted. Paul obviously has a grasp on the eternal. He knows that he has done what he set out to do (fought the good fight and finished the race). He also knew that he was replaceable. God's design is not to manifest Himself in one effective individual, but to manifest Himself in each believer. His glory comes when believers use what they have to further the kingdom. Paul understood this and was encouraging Timothy (in this case) to continue spreading and strengthening the faith.
Ironically, and historically, when believers are persecuted it does not cause a mistrust in the Lord or His plan. Rather, persecution bolsters faith and causes people to believe in the gospel. Perhaps Paul also understood this. When believers believe to the point of death they somehow become this "offering" that Paul calls himself. In every case, God honors the sacrifice of an offering.
What a plan.
God, your ways are far above mine. I don't understand You, but I see you work and want all of You and Your plan in my life. Thank You for Paul's example and extreme sacrifice. Thank You for his encouragement to the church and to me. Go with me today, that I would be an encouragement to those I meet. In the face of persecution, Lord, give me Paul's attitude and an eternal perspective. I love you, Lord. You are my great Mystery.
Amen.
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