2 Timothy 4.6–8
6 For I am already being poured out
as a drink offering,
and the time of my departure has come.
7 I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Henceforth 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.
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Paul is an incredible model of a living sacrifice. He served others selflessly, incurring mockery, abandonment, and unappreciation. He could easily have said, “This isn’t worth it. No one appreciates me, and my service doesn’t seem to be doing anything. This is a waste.”
When a drink offering was given in both ancient Jewish and Greek ceremonies, perfectly good wine was poured out on the ground. What a waste! But these ceremonies were meant not to honor wine, but something greater. Paul’s faith was not in himself or what he thought his life should be used for; his life was offered as a worthy sacrifice to God, to be used by Him however He saw fit. Paul was even filled with joy that God chose to pour him out as a drink offering for the sake of the church’s faith (Philippians 2.17). He knew that he could trust that it was worthwhile to faithfully live out the sacrificial life for the sake of advancing the faith of others.
If I am to put my life
upon the altar,
I must first step down
from the throne.
But there is a “wasteful” side of being a drink offering. Both Jesus and Paul give us sobering examples that being a living sacrifice poured out for the sake of others never provides the perfect results we desire. Both suffered rejection and abandonment despite their selfless and humble sacrifice and love for others. Again, this may seem wasteful, and in a sense it is; I can spend time with people loving them, counseling them, and pleading for them, only to be rejected. My time and energy could have gone elsewhere! But what I don’t see is that though I may not be seeing what I hope to see God doing in them (and He is likely doing something I just can’t see!), I must recognize that He is also working in me! He is building my trust in His power, His wisdom, His ways, His Word, and His sovereignty.
The Gospel makes every pain, loss, and “waste” into an opportunity for me to worship, as well as into a means by which He transforms me. He strengthens my resolve and deepens my dependence on Him by teaching me to fix my eyes on His worth, rather than my worth.
Read Again Out Loud and Make it into a Prayer:
2 Timothy 4.6–8
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Personalize and Read or Pray Aloud:
Psalm 34.1–10
1 I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor man cried,
and the Lord heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him,
and delivers them.
8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,
for those who fear him have no lack!
10 The young lions suffer want and hunger;
but those who seek the Lord
lack no good thing.
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Pray Aloud:
You are my hope and salvation.
You are my life and strength.
You are my helper in troubles.
You are my defender
throughout life in all things.
God of Israel, who lives and reigns,
One God, now and forever.
Amen.
-Antiphonary of Bangor, Ireland, 7th Century
Father, I want to see Your Name lifted
above all other names in ________ life.
I am asking that Your Spirit would be at work,
that Your Kingdom would come
and Your will would be done
in ________ heart and life as it is in heaven.
Would You please give __________
truth that grabs them, encourages them,
and guides them to trusting in You.
Help me to forgive those
that have sinned against me,
and remind me that You have forgiven me
for all of my own sin against others.
Lead ___________ out of temptation
and towards Your truth.
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