An Empty Cup

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. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (II Timothy 4:6-8)

Dear Father,

Coaches tell their teams to "leave it all on the field" and by that they mean that they should expend every last drop of energy and strength in the game - they should have nothing left in them when the game is over. Such is how our Christian life should be.

I pray these children choose to be an empty cup, everything poured out, nothing left behind, when they reach the end of their lives. And because we never know when that day will come, I pray they end each day as an empty cup, having given everything for your glory. That, of course, does not mean that there is no time for leisure and refreshing, but even that should be for a goal - to influence their friends and families for the sake of the gospel and to replenish strength to re-enter the battle. In our society, this is not a popular way to look at life. We are expected to live life for enjoyment, not sacrifice. But your Son told us that it is only in sacrifice, in losing our lives, that we gain life, both true life in this life and eternal life with you. May these children strive to be an empty cup - but as they strive to do so, refill their cups so that they run over.

Amen