By Mike Chaffin
The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:22
Paul’s last words to Timothy. Last words we have seen Paul close with in prior letters. These last words pack more meaning though as these may have been the last words Paul ever wrote.
Earlier in the chapter he wrote,
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8
Such comforting words Paul shares about the assurance of salvation and eternal life for those who keep the faith.
In Paul’s case he is referring to his impending death by beheading for preaching the gospel of Christ. These last words are so important for us to remember and emulate. Paul knows that we have an eternal future in Heaven with Christ. That future is so much more important than our current life, or our love of it and pursuit of it. Paul fully understood the 23rd Psalm where David writes,
“Yeah though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 NKJV.
Death has no hold, and should bring no fear, to those who love Jesus appearing and have fully accepted Him as Lord and savior. Since Paul has no reason to fear death he carries on. He doesn’t change his closing. He doesn’t curse his false accusers. He didn’t turn his back on Christ and tell the authorities he would stop spreading the gospel. We must do the same if we ever face persecution, even persecution unto death.
The last words Paul likely ever wrote; Grace be with you. Amen. Jesus’s grace, which is salvation and the Holy Spirit, are the very best we can wish on anyone.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your grace. Grace that brings salvation. Gives us your Holy Spirit. Gives us peace and joy that the world cannot understand. Lord, when I am under persecution, battling illness, or have feelings of doubt help me to remember Paul’s last words. Knowing I have the same grace he had and can look toward you in any time of need. In Jesus’s name, amen.
