Two Strong Imageries
Dear CoaH,
We are privileged to glimpse the apostle Paul’s last moments on earth in 2 Timothy 4. Here we have the apostle, most likely in his late 60’s, awaiting the execution order. The first defense went by without yielding a positive outlook. Indeed, he knew that his days were numbered. Paul wrote in the cold and dampened underground cell to encourage Timothy to keep going. Let me draw your attention to the following verse.
“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.” (2 Tim. 4:6)
Let me point out two crucial imageries Paul uses in this verse. The first imagery is that of a drink offering. As you know, there were several ways to present your offering to God in the Old Testament. For example, we are familiar with burnt offerings, where animal parts or fat are burnt, and its smoke is offered to God. Here in 2 Timothy, Paul mentions a drink offering, which took on the form of pouring wine on the altar, symbolizing blood (Exod. 29:40). Paul says he feels like he has offered himself as a drink offering. No doubt he is talking about the entire lifetime of dedication and sacrifice in the service of the gospel to the point where he has nothing left.
The second imagery is rather hard to find in the verse because it is hidden in the word that does not show well in the English translation. It is the word ‘departure.’ In Greek, the word means loosening a mooring rope so a ship can leave the harbor. Paul says, ‘my departure time is very near.’ That means no more the heavy responsibilities of caring for the churches and the dangerous travels to proclaim the gospel message. His work on earth is done!
Notice the remarkable threefold confession of Paul that summarizes his state, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7). There we have the glimpse of a finisher! Paul has paid the price and now awaits the victor’s crown. That is the attitude you and I should adopt. Paul reminded Timothy that not everyone made it. “For Demas, because he loved the world, deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica” (2 Tim. 4:10). I wonder what happened to Demas. What was he attracted to that he deserted Paul?
Brothers and sisters, let us fix our eyes upon Jesus and run the race before us. Let us not forget that God has given us the task of sharing the gospel with all around us.
May the LORD bless you and keep you safe.
Pastor Minho Song
