“When Timothy read this letter [2 Timothy 4:6-8], he knew Paul was referring to the Old Testament sacrificial system in which a drink offering was the least impressive, the humblest offering a person could give to God. . . . You and I are pouring our lives out on the altar of something. The question is, What are we giving our lives to?”- Kyle Idleman
“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight.”- 2 Timothy 4:6-7 (NIV)
As Kyle Idleman moves on in Chapter 13 of Every Thought Captive, he notes that the apostle Paul spoke of his death in his letter to Timothy. However, the word translated depart actually connotes a beginning. Rather than an end. Therefore, Paul is setting sail — not kicking the bucket or swimming with the fishes.
Hence, death represents a beginning. A new beginning of the great next. Above all, Kyle underscores, when we begin to think of death this way, it changes how we think about everything else. While living allows us to continue living for God, dying means we get to be with Christ in a new and complete way (see Philippians 1:21-24).
Therefore, we need not carry out our thinking about eternity with fear and dread. Instead, Kyle encourages, think of heaven in a way that gives you hope, joy, and peace. Thus, Kyle sees heaven as a place of:
- physical pleasure — even the most satisfying pleasures of this life are a mere sample of what we’ll experience in heaven.
- incredible beauty — our national parks serve as a preview of coming attractions. Because it’s the same architect.
- delightful rest — we need rest from our busy and burdened lives. God promises perfect rest.
- meaningful service — we won’t eternally lounge on cloud futons.
- loving relationships — because we reunite with parents, grandparents, and Christian friends who predeceased us. And we’ll form new friendships as well.
- uninhibited worship — we will worship God like never before. Because we’ll know Him like never before.
Today’s question: What altar are we pouring our lives out on today? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The challenge before us”