Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. – 2 Timothy 4:8
Movie makers and television producers seek to win an Oscar or Emmy. Football teams play to win the Superbowl and baseball players vie for the World Series and the trophies that come with victory. Students of all ages strive for academic, musical, or athletic awards. However, the rewards of this world mean nothing in the grand scheme of things.
The apostle Paul was nearing death. He had spent months in the Mamertine Prison in Rome – a dark dungeon with a hole in the roof through which food was dropped and water lowered to him. Only Luke had stayed to minister to him as he was able. It was in this discouraging environment that Paul looked with great anticipation to the crown of righteousness that awaited him, not necessarily for the work he had done, but for his faithfulness to the Gospel and countering false teachers and those who sought speakers who would tell them what they wanted to hear rather than the truth of God (2 Timothy 4:1-4).
The crown of righteousness awaits for believers who love the Lord, seek to do His will, and look with anticipation to His appearing. William Borden, burdened as a high school graduate to witness to Muslims in China, attended college and seminary. He was on his way to Asia when he contracted meningitis and died within a month, never accomplishing what he set out to do. In his Bible were these words, “No reserves… No retreat… No regrets.” He was faithful, which is what the Lord desires of you!
In these turbulent times, pray that people in positions of authority will seek and be faithful to God’s direction.
Today’s Verse: 2 Timothy 4:8
Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-8
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
