Emphasis Preaching Journal

In his letter to Timothy, Paul mentions that he knew that his hour of death was near. This could have been a somber message full of despair, bitterness and anger, but instead Paul rejoices that his life has been so rich, significant and true. Instead of focusing on his impending death as termination, Paul exudes a feeling of quiet appreciation that he had finished what he needed to accomplish -- to create new, deeper and more human life choices. There is an air of peaceful surrender, much as Jesus words on the cross: "It is complete.