Scripture: I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. [2 Timothy 4:1-5 NLT] The fastest land animal in the world is the Cheetah, which has been clocked at speeds of over 60 mph. The fastest bird is the Peregrine Falcon, which has been clocked at 242 mph in the air. The fastest sea animal is the Sail Fish, which has been clocked at just over 68 mph. The fastest human being, claimed to be Usain Bolt of Jamaica, has been clocked at speeds of just over 23 mph. All of these animals, and one human, are incredibly fast or quick. I would never win a race against any of them. In fact, being quick is something I have never been accused of in my life. I remember the Presidential Fitness program in elementary school when we had to run the 50 yard dash. Almost all of my classmates were faster than me. When it came to my turn I looked like my tennis shoes were made from cement. Being quick is just something I have never been. Maybe this is why I like the passage of Scripture we are reading today. It is one occasion where I can be called “quick.” Most of the more recent translations of 2 Timothy 4 verse 1 use the word “living.” The King James Version translates the word using the old English term “quick.” The Greek word that is being translated is a form of the word Zoe, which literally means life. So when you use the old English term “quick” to mean living …I am quick, and so are you. Of course, what Paul is saying to Timothy is that Jesus is the judge of both the living and the dead. So no matter how quick you are here in this world, we all will meet Jesus one day. Being quick, or living, for Jesus is the most important thing we will do with our life. There are plenty of things to live for like family, friends, finances, fun, our vision of the future, and many more. The only thing that matters in the end is living for Jesus. When Paul writes to Timothy he goes on to instruct him to preach the word of God persistently, to patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage the people he teaches. He writes that there will be a time when people won’t listen. They will follow false teaching and chase after teachers who will tell them easy teachings. Timothy is to keep focused on the fact that one day he will have to answer to Jesus Christ. Timothy should continue working on bringing others to Christ. I believe that today is the day for you and me to be quick for Jesus Christ. We should tell others about the amazing grace of God available to them through a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Living for Jesus means we are persistently following after Him in every moment of our day. Today leverage your relationship with Jesus through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to encourage someone. We are called to help people see how deeply God loves them. Today is the day to be quick for Christ. Prayer: Lord God Almighty, you have given me every breath I take and I am quick because of you. Today I long to be alive for you. Help me to live for you today in the name of Jesus. May others experience the life you have given me through the life I live before them. I pray that you will receive all honor, glory, and praise through my living. Amen.