“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I Have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:6-7)
I have been contemplating the subject of “legacy” these past few days because of the recent passing of my father. Our family is preparing for a necrological service next week in his honor and as family members, we will have to give a message about his life and legacy. Among his children, I, being only reunited with my biological family six years ago, have the least story to tell. I prayed about it and the Lord led me to the second letter of Paul to Timothy. Paul wanted to pass on the torch of serving God to Timothy because he sensed that his end was about to come. His letter is about reassuring Timothy that he is not afraid of dying for the sake of Jesus Christ, instead he sees it as the ultimate fulfillment of his calling.
My father’s life was far from perfect, so is our family. But I saw how God used these imperfections to lead my father into knowing Him. As a young man he served as a Catholic priest then later God revealed himself to him and called him to serve as a pastor. From then on, he led his family and congregation to the Savior. When we first met, he was overjoyed upon discovering that I am already a Christian, according to him my salvation is one of his earnest prayers to the Lord. He also said that his life was finally complete since God finally brought me back to them. I really wish I had more time with my father, but I understand that it is time for him to go. His life and lasting legacy will always remind me about what truly matters in life – it is about knowing God, responding to His call, and serving Him faithfully. We as a family, willingly receive my father’s touch and by God’s grace, we shall press on and continue the good fight of faith.
