2 Timothy 4:6-8 - Fought The Good Fight

 4:6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

😭 This is the last chapter of the last letter that Paul will write.  The last of the remaining apostles has given his final dose of encouragement to young Timothy.  There is nothing left to give... he has been poured out as a drink offering.  

To the nation of Israel, this was very familiar.   After a lamb was slain and offered on the altar, the priest would pour out wine on it, signaling the end of the sacrifice.  The Lamb of God had been slain.  Paul has poured out his last few drops, spent in what Christ has called him to do, as if it were the wine offering. Nothing left to give. He ran the race, he fought the good fight and he can almost see the finish line. 

I can't help but imagine how tired and weary he must be. All that awaits is his execution... not something he seems fearful of, but sees as the doorway to eternity and to a crown of righteousness from the righteous Judge. 

Such a legacy.... to be able to proclaim that you have given all for the Savior.  To know there was nothing you held back.  I am both impressed by this level of devotion and I cringe at my own lack thereof. I want to be able to say those words when I breathe my last.   I want to fight the good fight, leave it all on the field, and finish well.... every last drop poured out.