“A soldier … wants to please his commanding officer. … An athlete … does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hard-working farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.”
2 Timothy 2:4-6
The soldier, the athlete, the farmer. Paul uses these images to help Timothy understand his role as he proclaims God’s Word, even when suffering for doing so. This encouragement applies to those working in ministry but also to us as individuals ministering day in and day out to God’s people.
Paul warns Timothy not to let anything distract him from the cause of Christ in the world, to be like a soldier focused on pleasing his commander. He changes the imagery to the athlete and then the farmer. Each highlights the call to labor for an ultimate goal: the battle victory, the race win, the bountiful harvest.
God invites us to participate in His kingdom-building in the world, individually and as His church. We are His soldiers marching on to victory in His strength. We press on as His runners in the race. We are His hard-working farmers, laboring and awaiting the final harvest. But none of this would be possible were it not for the fact that Jesus is our victor; Jesus has finished the race for us; Jesus is the great harvest we reap.
Paul warns Timothy not to let anything distract him from the cause of Christ in the world, to be like a soldier focused on pleasing his commander. He changes the imagery to the athlete and then the farmer. Each highlights the call to labor for an ultimate goal: the battle victory, the race win, the bountiful harvest.
God invites us to participate in His kingdom-building in the world, individually and as His church. We are His soldiers marching on to victory in His strength. We press on as His runners in the race. We are His hard-working farmers, laboring and awaiting the final harvest. But none of this would be possible were it not for the fact that Jesus is our victor; Jesus has finished the race for us; Jesus is the great harvest we reap.
Scripture Focus
2 Timothy 2:3-7
Insight
Father, sustain us until that great day of our heavenly reward when this life is over! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bible In A Year
- Isaiah 59-60
- Psalm 100
- Acts 23
