14. The Finish

The Finish

The apostle Paul beautifully expressed the heart of what it meant to finish well for the Lord to his beloved protégé, Timothy. You would not know that that he was writing from a dismal prison cell in Rome, chained up and awaiting death by order of Emperor Nero. These were among the final words he ever said:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up 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 loved His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

There will come a day for each of us when our heart beats one last time, when our final breath is taken, and we are instantly transported in the presence of almighty God. How wonderful it will be to present Him with a life that finished well and to hear those incredible words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

That remarkable statement from the Most High God is one that we all want to hear! Thinking about those words can help when the trials and suffering of our life weigh heavy. We’ll wonder why we didn’t sacrifice more when we stand before Him and receive the eternal crown of life in heaven.

Nothing can compare to that ending of our story. The earthly chapters will have been completed. The heavenly ones will only just be starting.

Scripture Review

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’  (Matthew 25:21)