2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, October 23-29, Year C:

Paul knows, as he is writing this, that he is near the end of his life's journey, and that his ministry is over. In this passage, he gives to Timothy and to us a faithful testimony and a faithful example. This is a particularly significant passage for Reformation Sunday because it reminds us of our responsibility to those who have gone before us and to those who will come after us. We have a responsibility as Christians faithfully to preserve the witness of the past and pass on the heritage of the faithful witnesses of the early church and of the reformers to new generations of Christians. Paul knew that the verdict of the Roman courts had gone against him, and that the sentence of death would soon be carried out. But he also knew that there was a higher court, and that in that court, another judge would award him the crown of life. He knew that his was a faith worth keeping. Paul knew the importance of giving witness to a consistent faith in life and doctrine. How easy it is today to begin well; but how hard it is to stay the course to the end. Even though all his friends and followers had abandoned him, Paul had experienced the confident assurance that the Lord was with him in his moment of trial, and had even used his trials as a means of proclamation. Today, we are so afraid of being seen as unfair or manipulative that we often even hesitate to pass on our beliefs to our children. We are hesitant to stand for the truth because we aren't sure we know what the truth is. Yet, we have a charge to keep--a faith to keep, not only in doctrine, but as we guard our personal faith in Christ. Many struggle with personal doubts, especially in times of crisis. This is where the mature Christian can be a great help and comfort to others. We may not think that what we are doing is very important; but we may be doing that very thing which is necessary in our particular time and situation--that very thing to which God has called us. Paul knew that he was not without sin; but he had a clear conscience as to his testimony and his example. He knew that he had done his best, that it had been possible only by God's grace, and that the glory was to go to God alone. We have wonderful opportunities to set an example for our children, for new Christians, and for those around us as we seek to be faithful to our calling and to the message of the Christian gospel. Let us not for one moment think that we have nothing to pass on to our children and grandchildren. Our greatest legacy is our Christian faith and testimony. For that biblical truth, people have been persecuted and have given their lives. How dare we be so timid that we won't even give a few minutes of our time to pass on these great truths to a needy world?