Scripture

And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

Observation

Paul urges Timothy to preach the word of God always, whether time is favourable or not. He is to patiently rebuke and encourage his people.

A time is coming when people will not want to listen to good teaching, but will look for teachers who will give the message they want to hear. They will reject truth and prefer myths.

Paul’s life is coming to an end, poured out like a drink offering to the Lord. He has fought the good fight and run the race. The Lord will reward him with a crown of righteousness, a prize that is not just for him, but for all who look forward to His coming.

Application

We have a huge future ahead of us. In our materialistic culture we find it so hard to think of anything beyond this physical life. But there is so much more that awaits us.

There is a prize for finishing the christian race. If we persevere to the end, we will get to heaven. We will enter an eternity of life and joy in the presence of God.

What we perceive dimly and occasionally we will see completely and for ever. The presence of God, which we experience sometimes with great excitement and as a concrete reality but other times we struggle to even think about, it will become as real as the sun and the moon. The light of God will outshine the noonday sun every day.

One day we will enter into God’s welcome, “Well done good and faithful servant.” What a great joy that will be.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for the assurance of eternal life and eternal happiness in your presence. Please help me to remember this coming prize even when my life is a struggle. Amen.