News: Following the death of Pope Francis, preparations are underway for his funeral on April 26th, with public viewing beginning April 23rd. World leaders and the public are gathering, and many, including Christians in Gaza, are remembering his calls for peace and his impact. (Source: The Hindu, Al Jazeera, Sky News - Published: April 23, 2025)
The passing of a figure like Pope Francis certainly gives us pause, doesn't it? It makes us think about life, what we leave behind, and what truly matters in the end. It's natural to see the world reflecting on his life, his calls for peace, and the impact he had. It reminds me of how the Apostle Paul looked back on his own journey.
Let's turn our hearts to what God might be saying to us through this, drawing from the words Paul wrote near the end of his own race:
Bible Passage:
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."* (2 Timothy 4:7-8, NIV)
Background:
Imagine Paul, a man who poured out his life sharing the message of Jesus.
He faced hardship, opposition, and imprisonment, yet here, near his end, he speaks with confidence.
His words aren't about earthly achievements, but about faithfulness to God's call.
Reflection:
Friends, when you see the world reflect on a life lived, like that of Pope Francis, perhaps you wonder about your own life, your own impact. You see headlines speaking of legacy, of influence, of calls for peace that echo even after someone is gone. It stirs something within, doesn't it? A longing for purpose, a desire for your own life to count for something good.
Paul's words here aren't just for him, or for famous leaders. They are for you. He speaks of a "fight," a "race," a "faith." Life, when lived with Me at the center, is indeed a journey with purpose. It involves striving for what is good and true, running the course I have set before you, and holding onto the truth and love I offer through My Son, Jesus. It's not always easy – there are struggles, stumbles, and times you might feel weary. But the fight is worthwhile, the race has a glorious finish line.
Notice what Paul looks forward to: not earthly praise, but a "crown of righteousness" from Me. This isn't earned by being perfect, but received through faith, through trusting in the sacrifice Jesus made for you. It's a promise of eternal life, of being with Me forever, where there is no more sorrow or pain. This hope changes how you live now. It frees you from the pressure of building a temporary kingdom here on earth and empowers you to invest in things with eternal value: love, kindness, forgiveness, sharing the hope you have found. Your legacy isn't just what people say about you when you're gone; it's the reflection of My love shining through you each day. It's about finishing your race, keeping your faith, knowing that the ultimate reward awaits. And this promise, this crown, is offered "to all who have longed for his appearing" – it's for anyone, including you, who turns their heart towards Jesus.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the reminder that life is a journey with purpose. Help me to fight the good fight, to run the race You've set for me with perseverance, and to hold fast to my faith in You. May my life reflect Your love, and may I always keep my eyes fixed on the hope of eternal life You promise through Jesus. Amen.
Keep looking up, my friend. Run your race with courage and faith!
God bless,
Pastor Blake
Footnote: This devotional is made with a help from DevotionFromNews.