As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of
my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day,
and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:6-8
2 Timothy pictures Paul near the end of his life in a prison
cell, awaiting execution – about to be “poured out” as a final offering of his life
to Christ. He rejoices in his discipleship as if he has been a victorious
athlete. He has “fought the good fight.” He has “finished the race.” He has “kept
the faith.”
Yesterday with friends and family, I saw to some of the most
exciting football I can remember. The players were giving it their all. They
didn’t always succeed but not for lack of trying. As we watched them strain for
excellence, we yelled with excitement when they moved the ball forward and with
disappointment when they didn’t. We were not distracted.
It’s hard to imagine being as excited about following Jesus
as those players were about their games? Could you or I possibly approach
scripture with the concentration a kicker gives to the ball and goalposts?
What about when we are in the audience? Can we cheer excitedly
for someone who takes a step forward in discipleship or exhibits faithfulness
in serving others?
Athletics can be a wonderful opportunity to push ourselves –
or, more often, to watch others demonstrate the strength, grace and skill God
has given them. It’s also a glorious image of what discipleship can look like.
God’s peace,
Katie
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