The Lord has a purpose and a time-frame for everyone. He works within in order to accomplish his tasks. Lewis S. Chafer, the great Bible teacher, said he wanted to go as far as the Lord wanted him to in his ministry. And that he did. He died while on a teaching tour just as he pledged to do!
Of John the Baptist it was said: “While John was completing his course, he kept saying … 'One is coming after me the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie'” (Acts 13:25).
And of David: “After he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep, and was laid among his fathers, and underwent decay” (v. 36).
Paul said: “I have fought the good fight [God laid out for me], I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award me, but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Tim. 4:7-8).
And: “I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course [He gave me], and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).
David added: “Your statutes are my songs in the house of my pilgrimage” (Psa. 119:54). Peter went on: “Conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay upon the earth” (1 Pet. 1:17).
David also said: “I am a stranger in the earth” (Psa. 119:19).
We all have to realize we are just passing through!
--Dr. Mal Couch (7/12)
