6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 2 Timothy 4
Paul changes tack towards the end of his second letter to Timothy and the Church. He begins to speak of his own walk with the Lord and he recognises that his life in this world is drawing to a close. He uses the analogy of his life being poured out like a drink offering.
The Drink offerings are described in Leviticus 23 and Numbers 15 and there are some things to note about them.
15 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘AFTER YOU ENTER THE LAND (Your Inheritance) I am giving you as a home … Numbers 15
Drink Offerings could only be presented in the Land, the place of Rest and Peace from enemies. Israel had just disobeyed God and spent 40 years wandering in the desert, until a whole generation died, excluding Joshua and Caleb. There were No sacrifices to God in the wilderness, only in their God given Land.
Drink Offerings were to be presented with the sacrifices and the entire Offerings were burned up. With the meat a portion was kept by the officiating priests, but the Drink Offerings were for God alone.
Drink Offerings were part of the fruit of Israel’s labour in their land, the grain, oil and wine. (Again not possible in the desert) These Offerings were poured on the sacrifices made to God.
17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. Philippians 2
Paul saw himself as a Drink Offering being poured out on the service of the new Churches.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4
Another powerful statement in Paul’s letter to Timothy. Paul had almost finished his appointed task after huge effort and much opposition. He’d had to fight many battles, run a race with others and held onto his own faith while encouraging others in theirs. Then he speaks of the reward he’ll receive for his faithfulness;
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. 2 Timothy 4
Derek Prince said that he didn’t believe any Church which had lost the expectancy for Christ’s return could maintain a true standard of holiness. When we lose that expectancy of Jesus coming again our own walk suffers and we lose out.
Paul endured everything for the sake of His Calling and the Lord who’d so miraculously met him and changed the course of his whole life. Jesus is just as faithful to us today, don’t give up, He will see us through, just as surely as He did Paul.
God bless and keep you today.