Poured Out

297 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 2Ti 4:6, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, (2 TI 4:6) Paul's life is being poured out as a drink offering. Truth be known, the pouring out began on that road to Damascus when he met Jesus! Ac 9:6 says this about the encounter: “So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." Then in Acts 9:15 we read of further instructions concerning Paul: “he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.” Did you catch the word “vessel?” Paul, now filled with Jesus would pour his life out bearing the name of Jesus to the world! He used the same terminology in Php 2:17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.” But now Paul, on trial and in prison is nearing the end of his cup, the contents almost all gone, the offering is nearly complete. He compares his life of ministry to the Lord as a drink offering described for us in Num 15:1-10. This offering was poured out next to the altar and is always described as a sweet savor ( a delightful aroma) to the Lord. This same sweet savor is spoken of when Noah offered an offering to God after the flood. But wait! This offering, this delightful aroma is not restricted to spiritual giants like Noah and Paul, but for all who are filled with Jesus! 2Co 2:14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?” Let us make our lives a prayer to God by being vessels ready to serve Him today: Heed the words of Paul in Ro 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” Present your body a daily sacrifice to the Lord and then keep your eyes open for opportunities to pour out Christ to others in word and deed! Pray, using the words of Paul on the road to Damascus when he said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." The act of pouring out is completed when we do what the Lord tells us to do, and His instructions are found in His Word!