Wednesday - May 27, 2020 - Ready to Leave

May 27, 2020

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering,

and the time of my departure has come.” II Timothy 4:6

Paul is seeing that his ministry is coming to an end. He has seen that his tasks are being finished and his home will soon be heaven. This world has no hold on him and he’s passing the mantle on to Timothy.

As with many people, Paul here is reflecting back on what he has been able to accomplish in the ministry and he sees that his work is almost done. I’m sure that like so many, God is preparing his heart to make that final journey home. Paul is trying to set the scene for Timothy and urges him to be faithful and strong. Paul’s life has been spent doing the work of the ministry and following Jesus and by preaching the gospel unashamedly. He’s ready to go home. He’s done just about all he can do in a lifetime and he’s saying his farewells.

It’s difficult to see a minister of the gospel go home. We ask questions about who are we going to listen to and follow now? Our hearts ache too because we’re going to miss them and their influence in our lives. I’m quickly reminded of Ravi Zacharias’s home going just a few days ago. He was a tremendous teacher of God’s Word and I loved hearing his expound the gospel. I will miss his teaching and preaching. God never leaves us without a faithful man of God. He will raise up another to take Bro. Ravi’s place. We will still be able to listen to him through his recordings.

As with many situations in life, God places a song on my heart and I will share it with you now. This is a song I’ve loved to sing in the past and the last time I sang it, it was for my dear friend and brother’s funeral 7 years ago.

Here are the words:

Another Soldier's Coming Home

His back is bent and weary, his voice is tired and low

His sword is worn from battle, his steps have gotten slow

But he used to walk on water, or it seemed that way to me

I know he moved some mountains, and never left his knees

Strike up the band assemble the choir, another soldier's coming home

Another warrior hears the call, he's waited for so long

He'll battle no more, cause he won his wars

Make sure heaven's table, has room for at least one more

Sing a welcome song, another soldier's coming home

He faced the winds of sorrow, but his heart knew no retreat

He walked in narrow places, knowing Christ knew no defeat

But now his steps turn homeward, much closer to the prize

He's sounding kind of homesick, there's a longing in his eyes

Strike up the band assemble the choir, another soldier's coming home

Another warrior hears the call, he's waited for so long

He'll battle no more, Cause he won his wars

Make sure heaven's table, has room for at least one more

Sing a welcome song, Another soldier's coming home

- Pray for those people not working

- Pray for those people who are hurting

- Pray for those people who are totally isolated and alone