Your words…

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. There is reserved for me in the future the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.  2 Timothy 4:6-8

My words…

All Praise to the Crown-Giver

After Paul’s blinding encounter with You as he traveled to Damascus, he spent three years preparing for his new mission. I imagine You and he shared a lot of time together during those three years. Was it during this time that he learned about the crown You have reserved for him? Either way, Paul would have fought the fight and finished the race even if there were no crown at the finish line. It’s so like You – the Divine Giver – to have a gift prepared for that day. And a crown, no less! But here’s the exciting part for me – I get one, too! I’ve never worn a crown before. I hear they are heavy and cause headaches. But I don’t have to worry about that when I receive the crown You have reserved for me. It is not a crown of laurel, roses, gold, silver, or gems. It will not fade, wilt, or die. It cannot be burned, crushed, or melted down. It is incorruptible. For, I believe, this crown is made of a heavenly substance  called righteousness. It is light. It is expensive. It was paid for by the One who wore a different crown – a crown of thorns.

It’s hard to rid my mind of an image of an earthly crown. So I try to imagine one sculpted from the precious metal mined in heaven sprinkled with stardust. But deep in my spirit, I know it’s so much better than that. Perhaps my crown is comprised of words – Your righteous words of love for me which I will wear for eternity. Or maybe my crown is Your gentle hand forever touching my head. It may be a crown of righteous knowledge, so there will be no need for questions. Even better, a crown of praise sung in perfect harmony! May I request that one, please?

Although I praise You for reserving a crown for me, It is not the gift that will bring me to my knees, but the perfect Crown-Giver.