Love His appearing
Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8
The older I get the more I love the thought of His appearing. His coming to get me to take me home with Him. It is ironic though, that my life here in this world has never been better. When I was young and struggling, I wanted to keep His appearing far into the future, even at the end of my days here on earth. Now, however, I long for the day to be with Him, not to escape the blessed life He has provided for me here, but only because He is my heart’s desire.
In the past I have read this passage and thought Paul was giving a sad farewell. Now I see that he is actually excited that he is finished with his mission here in the world. This is Paul’s victory speech. He is ready to receive his reward. No more prison life, no more taunting spirits and no more oppression from the enemy, he is ready to receive his crown of righteousness and he believes he will receive it from Jesus, personally.
What about you? What is your heart’s desire? Are you chasing after the approval of the world or are you pursuing your crown of righteousness? Do you love the thought of His appearing or are you like I once was and hoped for it far into the future? Let me just put it to you this way . . . the time of our departure is at hand. Have you fought the good fight? Have you finished your race? Have you kept the faith? Are you ready to receive your crown of righteousness which the Lord will give to you on that day? Do you love His appearing?
Today I want to encourage you to write your victory speech. Write out the mission and assignments you have completed for eternal purposes. Then begin to look for Him. Learn to love His appearing and think for the day when you will no longer be subject to the prison of life and no more oppression. He is coming back for us, let’s begin to day to love the day of His appearing!
Today’s scripture reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8
