1 Thessalonians 1:1 - Philemon 25
The apostle Paul used many illustrations and examples from the world around him. He compared our life of faith to being a soldier, a farmer, an athlete, and a fighter. He used them on many occassions. The image of a runner was used because it symbolized the endurance that was required as a disciple of Jesus. One of these familiar passages is from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
Another passage is from today's reading in 2 Timothy. It is generally believed to be the last letter Paul wrote from his imprisonment in Rome, shortly before his death. A careful reading of 2 Timothy reveals a man alone that has been deserted by some of his friends (1:15, 4:10). It reminds us of his suffering for the gospel. (1:8,12; 2:9, 3:11). But amidst the loneliness and the suffering, there is an urgent call to the faithful to endure to the end of the race. "Do not be ashamed", "Be strong", "Preach the word", and "Be prepared." And knowing his departure was near, he left a reminder of what was waiting for us at the end of the race: Jesus.
"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:6-8)
Paul left a legacy of faith that has influenced millions of believers. One of those believers was my grandfather, whom my niece gave the name Daddy Mac. The following is the conclusion to the eulogy I gave at his funeral.
"But the greatest gift he gave his family was his faith. The true measure of a man is the legacy he leaves to future generations. Not the kind of material or physical things; but the spiritual legacy he leaves inside the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Because of his faith in God's ability to see him through any circumstance, Daddy Mac left behind a legacy of faith in Jesus. Throughout his life, his faith was tested through poverty, deaths, uncertainty, and sickness for himself and those he loved. But just like Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7 "He fought the good fight, He finished the race, and above all He kept the faith." He now has put on his crown of righteousness, which was given to him by the Lord Jesus. He has heard the words of his master, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
What will we leave behind at the end of the race? Hopefully, it will be a legacy of faith!
