Rescue After Mission Accomplished

With his life, the apostle Paul was about to pay the ultimate price for proclaiming the gospel.

In his final comments to Timothy he revealed his perspective on his life and situation. He was not in despair. He was not discouraged even though many of his companions had deserted him. To encourage Timothy, should he face that same treatment, he made clear that he was able to face the desertion of any and all because the Lord stood with him and empowered him. The same Spirit of God empowers and enables every true believer to fulfill the ministry the Lord assigns.

Paul kept his focus by not losing sight of his goals. In doing so he was able to face death as deliverance from his trouble, ushering him into the presence of God. He revealed his thoughts dwelt on the ways God had sustained him as he preached through every circumstance, friendly and unfriendly. He saw every circumstance as an opportunity to proclaim Christ because the Lord always stands with His herald. He was just as confident the Lord's rescue would come as soon as his mission was accomplished. With that perspective on his life and ministry, he faced death without wavering in fears and doubts. He knew his physical death was the Lord's rescue of him, safely bringing him into His heavenly kingdom.