Living in the Spirit
October 20, 2016

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

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 to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing. –2 Timothy 4:6-7

The writer of 2 Timothy suggests that our tasks are not finished until we are done. I might be arguing semantics, but finished has the connotation of ending. Done implies completing. The writer seems to sense that his lifespan will soon end and he is satisfied he has done his best but knows the job is not complete. All of us, called by God to make God’s kingdom a reality, must do everything we can to fulfill that vision with the full knowledge that in this life we may not see the completed work. We recently celebrated the life of a respected leader and teacher in my church as his life was cut short by disease. He touched the life of many people, and his legacy will continue through future generations.

It is important that we acknowledge we are living by choice through God’s plan on God’s timeline. Such acknowledgment is particularly relevant in a volatile political environment. Turmoil in the faith community often stirs change when change is needed. Jesus created turmoil in his incarnation, his ministry, and in his death and resurrection. The challenge for Christ’s followers is synchronizing our work with God’s plan. We can neither run away in fear and self-protection or devise plans of our own making.

The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’ (John 3:8) The winds of justice are stirring across our nation. They are not to be feared but actualized.

Prayer: God of Justice, show us the way to turn fear and hate into positive forces for peace and justice. While it sounds impossible to us, we acknowledge that all things are possible through you. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized 
Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council 
of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.