Leviticus 1:1-17; Psalms 96:1-98:9; Acts 24:24-25:12
And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose. Acts 13:25
John the Baptist was likely about 34 years old when his life was taken. Did he die prematurely? No! Consider the divine assessment in this verse, he “fulfilled his course.” Paul also had a course and expressed his passion for it in this way, “None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). Later, anticipating his departure, he said, “I have finished my course” (2 Tim. 4:7). Will the same assessment be made concerning our course? —L. Cain
O Jesus, shepherd, guardian, friend; my Prophet, Priest, and King,
My Lord, my life, my way, my end, accept the praise I bring. —J. Newton