Even if you’re not a Christian, you probably know some of the Crucifixion story. Jesus, hanging on the cross for several hours, asked for a drink of water. The soldier lifted up a sponge on the end of a stick soaked with sour wine. Jesus took a drink then said, “It is finished!”. He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.
A few things about that statement appeal to me.
- Jesus knew why He was on earth. He knew His mission and purpose.
- Jesus knew that He accomplished His mission.
- Jesus breathed His last breath at the moment He finished His mission.
The apostle Paul talks about being a drink-offering poured out; about running the race in such a way to win. Paul talks to run not without aim or to box as if boxing the air.
Many years ago I read a story about two elderly missionary women. Both were in their 80s serving in somewhere in South America. As they drove down a mountain in the fog, they drove right off the side of that mountain. Not a pleasant way to meet your Creator. However, they finished their life running the race with purpose.
Danielle and I will occasionally comment that we want to die like that. Maybe not by driving off the side of a mountain. But we do want to end this life knowing that we are accomplishing the mission God has given us.
For some reason our culture teaches us that we should retire from our work and do the things we want to do before we die. I am all about enjoying life, having hobbies, even taking vacations. I think God teaches us to do that too.
However, I don’t want to end my life wandering aimlessly along a seashore with my biggest and maybe only aim in life is to find the perfect sand dollar.
Personally, I want to live life with purpose knowing that I am accomplishing the mission God has for me even if it brings death.
I wonder what my last words on Earth will be? Maybe I will throw my arms up into the air and let out a loud shout like sprinters often do when they sprint across the finish line.
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