I’ve long been intrigued by the wise words of those who have been involved in service for many years. As I was preparing to embark on an adventure in full-time youth ministry, I sought advice from a man who had already been involved in Junior High for thirty-six years! He had run many miles in the race of service, and he had no doubt fought some good fights over the years. This was a man who was a pioneer in youth ministry and had amassed great wisdom as he ran the race. Our brief interchange left such a great impact on my life that I still quote this man at nearly every pre-camp staff meeting, reminding our crew to “memorize names and mark lives” for Christ. He was truly a follower Christ and a leader of people, leaving an eternal legacy.

As Paul writes to Timothy, with words of upmost importance, he is looking back over thirty years of  ministry. His words carry the weight of Godly wisdom from an experienced well-weathered servant of Christ. Paul’s challenge to his charge urges Timothy to be prepared to preach the Word both in season and out… both when it is well received and when it is vehemently refused… when it is safe and when it is dangerous. Timothy knows that Paul has lived through many changes of seasons in his lifetime. His message is laced with sobriety as he is aware of his impending death, knowing the importance of passing these words onto one who will carry on his legacy in ministry.

I was struck by the way Paul describes himself as being poured out like a drink offering. There is a difference between being sparingly sprinkled and being purposefully poured. Full-tilt. Leaving nothing to remain in the vessel. Poured out on the altar, giving one’s all for the sake of an offering to the Lord. Paul was filled by the Holy Spirit and overflowed with the passion and purpose of Christ. A follower Christ and a leader of people, leaving an eternal legacy.

In this change of season, Paul looks ahead to the blessing of the crown of righteousness, the eternal reward of a life in Christ well-lived and a fight well-fought.

This entry was posted on Saturday, November 25th, 2006 at 11:30 am and is filed under Daily Readings. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.