Sunday, May 22,
2022
TO FINISH MY COURSE
2 Tim 4:7-8
7 I have fought a
good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth
there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous
judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also
that love his appearing.
It is graduation
week. Students are about to finish their studies and embark upon a life of
doing, that is why it is called a commencement. It is a beginning and not an end. It is as frightening
as it is exciting. The relief of ending a struggle is replaced with the
uncertainty of a life without the structure and routine of learning. Training,
as difficult as that might have been, is immediately replaced with service.
Paul announced the
end of his “course.” In our text the word is the Greek dromos which means “a
race.” That is why Paul continues the analogy with a crown, but not a laurel wreath
as the Romans were awarded. His anticipation was a crown of righteousness that
did not wilt.
A different word
for “course” is found in Luke chapter one where Zacharias the priest was performing
the duties of his rotating assignment. These priestly assignments were organized
by families and his was the “course of Abia.” He was to offer the incense of
prayer. Paul may have been thinking of this meaning also when he talked of
finishing his “course” or assignment. His was a race won and a duty done. Timothy,
specifically, would continue in his place.
The spirit of
accomplishment is quickly replaced with the challenge of application. The student
becomes the teacher, and the apprentice becomes the builder. Paul reminded
Timothy of this rotating system of learning – doing – and teaching.
2 Tim 2:2
2 And the things
that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to
faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
Dear Lord, let me endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
AMEN
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