"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 2:8
Today's verse is taken from what is most likely Paul's final letter before his death. From the Damascus Road experience to the end of his life, Paul remained faithful to Christ. The great evangelist constantly reminded those he wrote to that they should remain constant in their faith, keep their eyes fixed on Jesus, and live in obedience to Him as they awaited His return and the "crown of righteousness" they would receive from His hand. This crown was not just for Paul, but for all who loved to see Jesus appear.
Barnes commentary on the Bible states:
"Unto all them also that love his appearing - That is, unto all who desire his second coming. To believe in the second advent of the Lord Jesus to judge the world, and to desire his return, became a kind of a criterion by which Christians were known. No others but true Christians were supposed to believe in that, and no others truly desired it; compare Revelation 1:7; Revelation 22:20. It is so now. It is one of the characteristics of a true Christian that he sincerely desires the return of his Saviour, and would welcome his appearing in the clouds of heaven."
If one of the marks of one who truly believes in Christ is how they view His return, then we ought to live with great anticipation for that day. To know that we will see our beloved Lord and receive from Him the crown of righteousness that He has promised should be all the motivation we need to remain His faithful servants.
Today's music video Come Lord Jesus by Jeremy Riddle has beautiful lyrics that glorify Christ.
I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.
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