Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8
A crown of righteousness – what a wonderful reward for a person who could describe himself as the chief of sinners! We are not told what this crown of righteousness will be like, although it is likely to be among the awards issued at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Paul was certainly excited about the prospect of receiving it; it was one reason why he could remain joyful even as he anticipated the arrival at any time of the execution squad. He was confident that he had qualified to receive this great reward. The word ‘henceforth’ in our text points back to the previous verse, in which he could testify ‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.’ Paul will not be the only recipient of this crown. He says it is for all who love the Lord’s appearing. Could we qualify for that?
I recall my last conversation with my 101 year old grandmother, in which she spoke of the coming of the Lord. In fact, her final words to me were, ‘Perhaps today!’ Will my grandmother receive the crown of righteousness? I don’t know, that’s not for us to tell. But she was certainly living her last days looking for the Uppertaker and not the undertaker. Why could she do that? And why could Paul do that? First of all, they knew they were saved, that when they trusted Christ as Saviour, they were not only rescued from the hell they deserved but were also granted a clear title to a mansion in Glory. Secondly, they had lived to prove the reality of what they professed at salvation’s day. They knew the victorious power of the Holy Spirit living within, enabling them to serve their Lord. Thirdly, they knew and believed the promise of the coming of the Lord, and allowed that belief to give them the hope that is sure and steadfast in a world that is without foundations.
Although he did not live to see it, Paul loved the appearing of his Lord. The proof was the life that he lived in light of that appearance. Do we love the appearing of our Lord? Our life will prove whether we do or not. A Christian who is living in disobedience and unconfessed sin might well be alarmed at the prospect of the Lord’s coming. But a Christian who is joyfully working, watching, and waiting for that return will be eager to see his Lord. Just ask an older Christian who has lived in faithful obedience to the Lord whether they love His appearance, and you will know how much this hope means to them. -Jim MacIntosh