The Crown of Righteousness
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)
Paul, imprisoned near the end, declares: in store for me is the crown of righteousness, which the righteous Judge will award on that day. Love awaiting crowns without pride. Humble certainty of one who fought well. Heaven's crowns reserve on earth through daily faithfulness. Paul presumed nothing; he knew: clean conscience breeds firm hope.
The Lord, the righteous Judge: the same judging the world will reward His own. Love trusts His justice. Righteous Judges never err nor delay: every tear recorded, every faithfulness noted. Righteousness crowns for righteous lives, never religious résumés. Prizes match the Giver's and receiver's character.
And not only to me but to all who long for His appearing: collective crowns for loving hearts. Loving the appearing is the criterion, never merely believing it. Love awaiting watches; love watching purifies itself. All who long: open doors for slaves and senators. Missing Christ is a crown passport.
Today, love His appearing: live like awaiting illustrious visits. Keep houses, light lamps, forgive brothers. Crowns weave on faithful Mondays. Today's good fight reserves tomorrow's award. End days able to say: I fought, finished, kept.
And love the appearing: crowns await loving hearts.