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)
In 2 Timothy, we read Paul's letter to his protégé in ministry, Pastor Timothy. The Apostle Paul was reflecting on his life and ministry as he approached the end of his earthly journey. Paul had gone through a lot in his years in ministry. He has been beaten, stoned, and illegally imprisoned. People paid assassins to try to kill him. He suffered several shipwrecks, attacks from animals, and other various issues. Yet, he also knew a reward was coming for his faithful service.
He explained that a crown of righteousness was prepared for him. In the Greco-Roman world, crowns were symbols of victory and honor that Caesar gave. The ancient Olympic Games awarded the winners a stephanos or a victor’s crown. Along with the glory and honor of having such a reward, the victor would also get free dinners for the rest of their lives. Paul remembered that there would be a grand wedding feast in heaven and that the crown of righteousness he would receive was also connected to the future he had to look forward to.
However, Paul mentioned this wasn’t just about him, what he went through, and what he was expecting; he explained that this should be the expectation of all people who love God and follow His commandments.
Practical Application
Life will present challenges; Jesus told us so. But just like Paul, you can face them with the assurance that Jesus has already given you the victory and that you have a future, eternal reward. Remember that every struggle is an opportunity to grow in faith and character, trust God, and follow His commandments.