Daily Devotion: A Legacy Worth Remembering

Scripture:
2 Timothy 4: 1-8

Main Verse:
2 Timothy 4: 7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Observation:
Paul was one of the greatest apostles ever lived. He was a relentless persecutor of the early church. He brutally tortured many of the Christians and was determined to eradicate them. But all of these changed when Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus. It was the turning point in his life. He was baptized and received the Holy Spirit and from then on became one of the most zealous apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul served Jesus even when he was in prison, and it was here that he wrote his final letter to Timothy, in which he hinted at his death as he looked forward to receiving his reward when Christ reestablishes His Kingdom. 

Paul left us with three simple statements as he reflected over his life serving the Lord: 

1. He had fought the good fight. He stood firm and faithfully defended the truth of the Gospel despite all the troubles, trials, and hardships he had to face. 

2. He had finished the race. He had done whatever the Lord had asked him to do ever since that day the Lord saved him in Damascus. It was a race filled with pain and suffering, but he had finally reached the finish line.

3. He had kept the faith. Paul remained committed to Christ and true to the Gospel. He refused to compromise the truth even when other people have left him, even when everyone was against him. He did not preach what people wanted to hear. He preached what the Lord wanted him to preach.

Application:
Have you ever thought about what kind of legacy you will leave the people around you when you die? How do you want to be remembered? Would you be remembered as an epitome of love, grace, and compassion towards others? Would you be remembered for having walked a life of righteousness and holiness? Paul has left us a legacy worth remembering. He died a man of God and faithfully followed the Lord Jesus until the end of his life. Sometimes I wonder what people will remember and say about me when I leave this world. But I do hope that I can establish a legacy worth leaving behind and people will remember me for having lived an upright life. I want to meet my Savior and Lord and hear Him say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant!" 

What about you? Can you honestly tell others that indeed, you have fought the good fight, finished the race and have kept the faith till the end of your life? 

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your Word and for your presence in my life. Thank you for calling me. Thank you that you have found me. I pray, oh Lord, that I may leave a lasting legacy to others, one where I will be remembered for having lived a life worthy of your sacrifice on the cross. I look forward to that day when I meet you, my Lord, and hear that I have been a faithful servant. I live daily on your provision of grace so I can walk in righteousness and holiness. All these I pray in your Most Holy Name. AMEN.