The Crown of Righteousness - Jeremiah 20-21 and II Timothy 4
Jeremiah was God's prophet, but he had a hard time. He was struck by the priest, Pashhur, and he was put in the stocks next to the Temple for everyone to see him. Still, Jeremiah was faithful to deliver God's message to Pashhur and to the king. God was with him, and God protected him. Jeremiah knew that God was his Mighty, Awesome God, who was standing before his persecutors. Sometimes, Jeremiah was depressed, but he kept depending on God and living in righteousness, while being in a very unrighteous world. What kind of eternal reward do you think God gave Jeremiah? I think God had a crown of righteousness for him when he got to heaven.
Paul told Timothy about the crown of righteousness. He was encouraging his son in the ministry to remain faithful, even as people all around him did not want to hear sound doctrine. All most people wanted was to have their ears itched, like my cat. Paul knew there was no future in catering to the desires of people. He was looking forward to being able to stand before the Lord and to tell Him in person that he had fought the good fight, he had kept the faith, and he had finished his course. Then, God would take that crown of righteousness and place it on his head. What a sense of satisfaction! However, I do not think that crown stayed on Paul's head very long before he placed it at the feet of Jesus, and he told Him that he was only doing His will in His power, so did not deserve any credit. Paul told Timothy that this was possible for every believer, who would just remain faithful to the Lord out of a heart of love. Sometimes, Paul felt all alone, too, but he could always look forward to his heavenly reward and go on with the Lord. I pray that the same is true for all of us.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Jeremiah 22-23 and Titus 1.
Paul told Timothy about the crown of righteousness. He was encouraging his son in the ministry to remain faithful, even as people all around him did not want to hear sound doctrine. All most people wanted was to have their ears itched, like my cat. Paul knew there was no future in catering to the desires of people. He was looking forward to being able to stand before the Lord and to tell Him in person that he had fought the good fight, he had kept the faith, and he had finished his course. Then, God would take that crown of righteousness and place it on his head. What a sense of satisfaction! However, I do not think that crown stayed on Paul's head very long before he placed it at the feet of Jesus, and he told Him that he was only doing His will in His power, so did not deserve any credit. Paul told Timothy that this was possible for every believer, who would just remain faithful to the Lord out of a heart of love. Sometimes, Paul felt all alone, too, but he could always look forward to his heavenly reward and go on with the Lord. I pray that the same is true for all of us.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Jeremiah 22-23 and Titus 1.