2Ti 4:8 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.

The Apostle Paul is writing to Timothy and it seems that Paul is certain his own death will be soon. I will put the verse in context and we will see a few things.

2Ti 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
2Ti 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
2Ti 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2Ti 4:8 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.

Verse 6 “My departure (or death) is at hand.
Verse 7 “I have completed my assignment” paraphrased
Verse 8 Because of this I will have laid up for me a Crown.
Verse 8 This Crown is for me and to all who love His appearing.
Verse 8 We can see this Crown is reserved in Heaven. It is a future reward for the faithful of God Who long for the return of Christ.

THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IS FOR THEM WHO LOVE THE APPEARING OF CHRIST!

Like one of my favorite songs

What a day that will be
When my Jesus I shall see
When I look upon His face
The One Who saved me by His grace
And He takes me by the Hand
And leads me through the promise land
What a day, a glorious day, that will be.

Words: James Vaughn Hill (b. Nov. 2, 1930)
Music: James Vaughn Hill

A video a did for my 87 year old mom. I never claimed to be a singer. But I love this song.

The best promise in the Bible is we will see Jesus face to face.

1Co 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
1Co 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

A Crown for simply longing for the appearing of Christ.

As the Apostle John said,

(KJV) He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Crown

According to Strongs
στέφανος
stephanos
stef'-an-os
From an apparently primary “stepho” (to twine or wreathe); a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fillet, G1238), literally or figuratively: - crown.

Don’t let anyone take your crown. This warning came from the Resurrected Jesus.

(KJV) Rev 3:11. “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown”

I have a feeling that like the 24 elders we will cast our golden crowns at the feet of Jesus and proclaim with them “Thou Art Worthy

Rev 4:10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
Rev 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Luk 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
Luk 21:26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
Luk 21:27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Luk 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Our redemption draws near..LOOK UP!

“THE DAY OF THE LORD WILL COME”

2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

• Do you look forward to the return of Christ Jesus?
• Do you long for His appearing?
• Do you eagerly await that day and great reunion in heaven?

IF SO THERE IS A CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AWAITING YOU, RESERVED FOR YOU IN HEAVEN

Thoughts of a missionary!
God bless!
Daddy William

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