2 Timothy 4:8

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.

Paul is near the end of his life. He has been deserted by many of the followers he thought he could depend on. Yet, he kept the faith and finished the race God set out for him. It was a daunting task but he came to the end of his life knowing he would be rewarded.

In Rome, where Paul was imprisoned, the laurel wreath was the “crown” that was most coveted, a symbol of triumph and honor. He had to know that the crown he was about to receive would be much greater and mean so much more than any earthly crown could.

I pray the prodigal will long for the appearance of Christ and the crown that awaits them. May their confidence lie in His eternal, life-giving work on the cross.

2 Timothy 4:8

Now there is in store for ________ the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to him/her on that day—and not only to ________ but also to all who have longed for His appearing.