Proclaim The Message

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.

As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:1-8

All voyages are fraught with uncertainty, especially those that pass through waters never sailed before. We do not fear death so much as we do the passage. Who knows what dangers lie ahead?

But our own journey is not uncharted. God has a plan for us, and that plan was created long before we were ever born. Follow the plan. Read the Bible. Pray. Search for the direction you are being led in.

Jesus took a similar journey so that we could travel across life on our own journey. He has returned to bring us safely through. Although we pass through the valley of the shadow of death, God is with us all the way. His hands are on the helm as He guides us to the heavenly haven He has prepared for us.

Those who fear God need not fear death.

Our Daily Bread – October 30, 2007