Fill 'er Up

​Every now and then I bump into “Paul’s” 2nd letter to Timothy. It’s one of my favorites in the pastoral letters. 
 
I use Paul in quotes because the best scholarship says that the Timothys and Titus were not written by Paul at all. Probably much later, probably by some of his most devout followers, but it’s a given that Paul was long dead by the time the pastoral letters were written.
 
Even so, they’re nevertheless important!  
 
From 2 Timothy 4:
6 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
 
Even though “Paul” didn’t write that, the historical Paul does write about Jesus “emptying” himself on the Cross. (see Philippians) #leavingall. #givingall. #doingall. #beingall. #notaboutself. 
 
Leaving it all out on the field. 
 
So too is this piece from 2 Timothy. “Poured out as a libation…fought the good fight, …finished the race, … kept the faith.” Leave it all out on the field. 
 
Sometimes it’s helpful to think about emptying ourselves totally of self, any semblance of it. Like literally “getting over ourselves.” If we can just do that…
 
It is then, and maybe even only then, that we have made room for Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Room for God.
 
Everything else gets in the way. We get in our own way, if that makes any sense to you at all.
 
I was exposed to COVID a couple weeks ago and did the quarantine. I never got sick, but my friend describes it as “exhausting” and “draining.” No energy. Just none. 
 
And it makes me wonder—is that what empty feels like? 
 
Maybe it is. So, as I pray for them to feel better, for you to feel better—as I pray for healing, I’m also praying…
 
Bring it! Fill ‘er up!
 
Grace and Peace,
Scott