Our Lord Will Bring Us Safely "Through"

The apostle Paul's use of the word “departure” in 2 Timothy 4:6 is a nautical term which carries great significance for the Christian. It gives us the idea of “loosing” or “unmooring.” Paul again uses this term when he states:

“I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ” (Philippians 1:23).

This term also suggests a “shipping out” — weighing anchor, slipping the lines that tether us to this world and getting underway. It's a marvelous metaphor for dying. For Christians, death is not an end but a beginning.

It means leaving this old sinful world behind and getting to a "better" place, completing the purpose for which we were made (Hebrews 13:14; cf. Philippians 3:20; Ephesians 2:5-6). It's a time for great joy and excitement — not one of dread and fear.

However, all sea voyages are fraught with uncertainty, especially those that pass through waters never sailed before. We don't fear death as much as we do the passage, for who knows what dangers lie ahead?

But thanks be to God, our journey will not be uncharted, for One has taken it before us and He will bring us safely "through." Although we pass "through" the valley of the shadow of death, our Lord will be with us all the way (Psalm 23:4). His hands will be on the helm as He guides us to that heavenly haven He has prepared for us (John 14:1-3).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets