‘I have run the race’

Scott Harman July 30, 2026 4 1

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2 Timothy 4: 6-8 (NIV-UK)

6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store 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 longed for his appearing.

My daughter is going to college this fall. I’m really happy and proud of her. But I’m also not totally comfortable with the monumental shift that is going to happen in her life, and in mine. She’s going to have to face her daily life without me and her mom. What if there’s something she can’t figure out? I won’t be there to fix it for her. On the other hand, I’m guessing she’s ready for mom and dad to stop fixing everything for her! She’s ready to do this on her own.  

The book of 2 Timothy is a letter from a Mentor to a Mentee. Paul, who has passionately travelled the ancient world sharing the Gospel of Jesus, is sensing a monumental change in his life. Soon, for the mission of Jesus to continue, others will need to take the lead. So he exhorts Timothy.

My tendency is always to read the Bible as if the heroes and authors were perfect representations of how we are all supposed to be. Lately, I’ve been trying to see it a little differently. What if Paul’s confident statement is filled with emotion? The same kind of emotions that we feel.  

I’m being poured out like a drink offering. I’m empty and have nothing left to give you.  

The time of my departure is near. I’m going to drop you off at college, and you’ll be on your own.

I fought the fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. I hope I’ve done enough. I did my best.

Now there is in store 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 longed for his appearing.  You’re going to be ok.  You’re actually going to be great!  God is good, and things are going to work out!

I’m worried about what will happen after this change, but I have no other choice than to put faith in Jesus. God is bigger than me, or this moment. God will cause the sun to shine on the next generation. We have no other choice, but to believe that our efforts today will mean something to the future. Even after we’re gone.

Prayer:

God bless my children, bless my younger neighbours, bless the children in the creche. Give me the comfort of knowing that we can all stay united in you even when we are apart. Even when I have nothing left to give, you’ll be there.