“Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.” 2 Timothy 4:9–13
I’ve been reading ‘A skeleton in God’s closet’ by Dr. Paul Maier and it has been causing me to consider what is next. When I am near the end of my journey, close to death, who or what would I most want by my side? Have you given that part of your future any thoughts recently? I turned another year older a few days ago and as I grow older, much that I once attended to and perhaps even thought about over the years means very little now that I'm almost halfway through my seventh decade on this side of Paradise. The things that really do seem important come into clearer focus. Read what the apostle Paul was asking for when he was nearing the seventh decade of his life in the above verses in 2 Timothy.
People who had been with him had left and only Luke was with him. He asked Timothy bring Mark, his favorite coat and some books and papers. As Paul neared certain death, his list of wants grew short and precise. Most important to him were a few valuable companions and some helpful and meaningful personal belongings. That's it. Made me think about the few items I would take with me to Luther Oaks if that became necessary; a short list of stuff in a cardboard box. When I left Haiti in December of 2003, all of my belongings fit into a small suitcase and a backpack.
This Monday, could you just take a few moments to take time to review your list of what you keep investing in and holding tightly in your hands? When was the last time you prayerfully allowed the Lord to help you set priorities for the way you invest your time, talents and treasures? Why wait, there's no time like the present. The end of your journey may sneak up on you, and you may find yourself wondering why you didn't do it sooner. Leave a legacy as you can’t take it, or need it, in Paradise.
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay