Today’s Reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-8
2 Timothy 4:8 — Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved his appearing.
God promises a crown of righteousness. In Philippians 3:20, Paul wrote that “our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” When we believed in Jesus and His finished work for our salvation, we became citizens of heaven. Our eternal address changed, and now we ought to be eagerly expecting our Savior to bring us home.
What gives us the right to live forever with the Lord in heaven? Is it my goodness, my kindness, my piety that have earned me merit? Absolutely not. No amount of human effort would ever be enough to attain the perfect righteousness needed to set foot in heaven.
Jesus Christ, the righteous judge, is the source of our righteousness. It is His righteousness given to us that gives us access to our home in heaven. We ought to have a fervent desire to be with Jesus and live in a way that will prepare us to meet Him.
We will have many discouragements, much suffering, and even persecutions as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, but we know that Christ will reward us for faithfully seeking His face and keeping His commandments. The reward we receive is one we cannot hope to attain apart from Jesus, because it is a crown of His righteousness. He gives it to those who love Him and long to be with Him.
As you go through your day, do you think about Jesus? Do you thank Him for His love, grace, and mercy? Are you grateful for His forgiveness and the gift of eternal life? Do you ever find yourself yearning for Him, needing Him desperately? Paul did, and he said that he would receive the crown of righteousness. We should desire to be honored by Christ this way, since it is a recognition of our love for Him.
…04/03/2024
Devotional
“No amount of human effort would ever be enough to attain the perfect righteousness needed to set foot in heaven.”
My effort would never be enough to go haven.
But if I allow myself to be used as God’s instrument and give myself to God. It is different at the end.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.”
2 Timothy 4:7 NLT
Thank you Jesus!
나의 어떤 노력도 하늘나라 들어가기에 결코 충분할수 없다. 그러나 내가 내 자신을 주님의 도구로 허락하고 내 자신을 드릴수 있다면 이일의 끝은 다르다
”나는 선한 싸움을 다 싸우고, 달려갈 길을 마치고, 믿음을 지켰습니다.“
디모데후서 4:7 RNKSV
하나님 감사합니다