Paul employed sports metaphors in his writings, making me think that he would have enjoyed the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. In 2 Timothy, his last letter written before his death, Paul recognizes that his time on earth is drawing to a close—the time of my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (4:7).

In the previous paragraph, Paul charged Timothy, the young pastor, to preach the word, to endure hardship, to keep his head in all situations, and to realize that people often choose their own desires over sound doctrine.

That’s all part of the race.

Not all of Paul’s companions finished the race. Demas loved the world and deserted. Alexander harmed Paul a great deal. Others simply faded away.

The race of the Christian life emerges as a marathon rather than a sprint. The encouragement to endure underscores this reality. I need to run long and hard.

Like Timothy, I take encouragement from Paul’s words. The way is long, the fight is real, but the reward is worth it.

Keep the faith.

2 Timothy 4 in week twenty-seven of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Mārtiņš Zemlickis