I spent a good part of the weekend watching two of our granddaughters dance. It was a competition and there were hundreds of dances that were performed by scores of young dancers. They had different sections that would complete and then they would stop and hand out awards to the girls who had scored above others by the panel of judges who graded each one of these dances. They did a nice job on their awards and there were no awards for just showing up, but they were for what they felt was excellent performance. I know how many days and nights our girls worked, and I imagine it was the same for all the young ladies. They gave out metal placards, a variety of medals, scholarships to other events and then there were a select few who received a crown. It was the princess kind of crown, and the girls had them placed on their heads by one of the judges for their accomplishments. They were just plastic, but they and we knew what that represented. As I watched the few girls who got these, I thought about what the Apostle Paul said about a crown that was waiting for him. He wrote to his student and associate Timothy that in his life he had fought the good fight, that he had finished the race and through it all had remained faithful to this Jesus of the Bible. And he said that there was a crown that was waiting for him after this life. A crown not of plastic or even precious metal, but a crown of righteousness that the one whom he had remained faithful to would give him on the day he returned. But that everyone who looked forward to this Jesus’ return would get the same prize. When we come to Christ we get two things. First, we are saved. That means that we don’t have to pay for our sins…we get forgiveness for what Jesus did on the cross. But second, we are declared righteous by God. And because of God’s grace…we didn’t and in reality, couldn’t do anything to earn either one of them. Our task is to come to him, walk in this life like him and then never leave him, because he will never leave us. And so in that moment that Christ comes back (yeah, he’s coming back) we, who did nothing to earn it, will be presented with God’s crown of righteousness, declaring that we are forever forgiven and forever his. So don’t miss the big awards presentation at the end of this history as we know it. It is there for whomever wants it and stays faithful in this life. Looking forward to seeing you at the awards ceremony! Here’s our Bible verse for today…
2 Timothy 4:7-8 NLT I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. (8) 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.
Remember I’m praying for you!
With love, PJ
2 Timothy 4:7-8 NLT I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. (8) 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.
Remember I’m praying for you!
With love, PJ