Reaching Forward

Philippians 3: 13-14

I do not regard myself as having laid hold yet, but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Paul wrote that he didn't think he'd "arrived" yet, but was still struggling to follow the road laid out before him. By not letting anything in the past deter him, he was totally focused on serving the Lord today to the best of his ability, stretching himself to strive to reach as far as he could to succeed in bringing as many souls to salvation as he possibly could. 

And when he knew he was coming to the end of that road, he said to Timothy that he was, Ready to be offered [as a drink offering], the time of my departure [death] is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 

He didn't mean that he was perfect, but that, Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day. And not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing. (II Timothy 4:6-8.) 

Paul knew that he wasn't unique in his service rewards, but that he would receive the same "crown" as everyone else who also longed and looked for Christ's Glorious Appearing. He remained humble to the end. 

I'm sure he also will receive many accolaides and rewards for his exceptional service, sufferings, persecutions, and generosity he gave to all he ministered to. And he is still ministering to us even today, through his writings. 

O my Father, I thank You so much for Who You are and what You have done! Thank You for sending Your own Son, Jesus, to be our Savior, to be my Savior, my Redeemer. Thank You for saving Saul of Tarsis, changing him into Paul the Evangelist, and giving him to all of Your church, Father, from the beginning all the way down to even today, and all the rest until we are called out. 

Thank You for Your great Love wherewith You have loved us, that is far beyond my comprehension. Even when we are still rebelling against You as Your enemies, You still sent Your Son to take our sins upon Himself on that Cross, paying my debt in full; now You place His righteousness to my account, balancing Your books. 

I need Your strength, Father, to work out this Redemption in my life; teach me to forget what lies behind and reach forward toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus! Strengthen me to stretch and reach forward; onward and upward; ever closer to You!

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!