Life, death, reality. Owls represent wisdom, but they are also predators. However, the owl is not the focus of my thoughts about this picture, the mouse is. I wonder if it knows that it is about to die? If so, what is going through its mind?
Now, you and I are far more complex than the smartest mouse that ever lived. Again, I pause to wonder.... what if I knew I would soon die- what would I be thinking about?
The apostle Paul knew he was about to die and wrote...
2 Timothy, Chapter 4 (World English Bible)
1 I command you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom: 2 preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all patience and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts, 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn away to fables. 5 But you be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry.
6 For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. 8 From now on, the crown of righteousness is stored up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing. (emp. added vss. 6-8, GDR)
6 For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. 8 From now on, the crown of righteousness is stored up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing. (emp. added vss. 6-8, GDR)
Paul writes to Timothy, his young disciple and friend because he wants to exhort him to proclaim Jesus and realize the obstacles he may encounter when he does. As for himself, Paul realizes he will soon die. Along with this, he acknowledges his faithfulness to God and looks forward to the life after this life and the reward given to the faithful.
Simple question: If you knew you were about to die, could you honestly say what Paul did in vss. 7 and 8?
No? Open your Bible and read the Acts 2:22-42. Go from there...