Topic: Crown Of Righteousness [December 3, 2016]
Text: 2 Timothy 4:1-8
Key Verse: “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 great use of time is to spend it on something that outlasts it. James Waddel was a blind preacher in Virginia, whose eloquence was celebrated in one of the most beautiful pieces of American prose, William Wirt’s “British spy”. When this blind Boanerges lay dying, one of his friends, about to leave him after a visit, expressed his wish that when he came to die, he would have at the back of him for his own comfort, the record of a godly life like that of Waddel. At that, Waddel lifted his hand in protest and declared that if his only comfort were the thoughts of the life which he had lived, he would be wretched indeed, “if in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most miserable”.
As he neared the end of his life, Paul could confidently say that he had been faithful to his call. Thus, he faced death calmly knowing that he would be rewarded by Christ. The good news is that the heavenly reward is not just for giants of faith like Paul, but for all who are eagerly looking forward to Jesus’ second coming. Paul gave these words to encourage Timothy and by extension, as many in this contemporary period who remain steadfast in doing the will of God. It is also to those who spread the good news of salvation to others. For those who love the appearing of Jesus Christ, He shall appear for their joy and there is a crown of righteousness reserved for them in heaven. Friend, do not live for the meat that perisheth; live instead for that which will transcend the frontiers of this earthly realm.
Let each day of your life count for eternity. Get involved in the gospel work that will edify the soul of man in time and eternity. Get out of the mindset of living to earn a living, thereby laying for yourselves treasures on earth. Be sure that your earthly vocations are served to glorify Christ only, and to bless humanity.
Thought for the day: There is a crown awaiting those who invest their all in God.
Bible Reading in one Year: Hosea 1-4
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
