Now there is in store 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 longed for his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:8 NIV
As Paul wrote this second letter to Timothy, his son in the faith, he was facing imminent execution. Yet Paul was anything but discouraged or troubled by this thought. He had been faithful to his Lord since he had encountered Him on the road to Damascus. Paul had fought the good fight and finished the race set out for him. He had kept the faith. And, as his life on earth drew to a close, he was looking forward to Jesus awarding him a victor’s crown, the crown of righteousness. Paul’s conviction was that this same crown awaits all who are eagerly looking forward to Jesus’ return.
I am not sitting on death row like Paul was when he wrote this. Nor am I facing any other life-threatening situation other than old age. I will likely remain here in this life for a few years longer. And my hope and prayer are that those years will be in faithful service to my Lord. But more and more, as that day draws ever nearer, I am looking forward to what awaits me when the Lord calls me home and awards me the crown of righteousness. What a wonderful day that will be.
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