2 Tim 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 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.” ESV
There’s a crown for believer’s who long for Christ’s return and live in anticipation of His kingdom. It’s the Crown of Righteousness, a reward given in heaven.
If I am honest, the thought of Christ’s return is rarely foremost in my mind. I am wedded to this familiar life on earth, beginning with a cup of coffee at sunrise and ending with a few pages of a good book before the bedside lamp is turned off. Yes, “Come Lord Jesus!” (Rev.22:20), but first let me…
Host one more deck dinner. I have a list of people I want to invite into my backyard garden to dine at tables set up on my deck. As the sun sets, strings of lights cast a glow on guests passing dishes prepared with agape love, and conversation flows.
Also, there is a cardboard regatta on the calendar for next August. The first was this year at the Canyon Dam boat launch on Lake Almanor, and the contestants and their crews were inventive and fun. I want to participate rather than spectate.
Then there are writing projects, such as my Bible study, which is a work in progress, and household improvement projects like the plans for painting the living room, as well as places to explore and adventures to experience.
Could you create a list of things you would like to finish, accomplish, see happen before Christ returns?
What Are We Waiting For?
Jesus has prepared a place in his kingdom for believers and will return for them.
One place we find this promise is John 14:2-3: “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” ESV
According to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, there are over 300 references to Christ’s second coming in the New Testament.
Another familiar verse is 1 Thess 4:15-18: “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” ESV
This verse is a description of the rapture of the church, a time when Jesus comes for believers both living and dead. In the book of Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul introduced the concept of the rapture. It is the English term for the Latin verb rapere used in the Latin Vulgate translation of the New Testament. Rapere is the Latin word for the Greek word harpadzo, which means “caught up.”1
In His Word
Christians through the ages have expected Jesus to return. Although He hasn’t appeared yet, we don’t know the day or the hour (Matthew 24:36). In the book of 2 Timothy, Paul wrote that “on that day” he would receive the crown of righteousness along with all Christians who have loved Christ’s appearing. Some Bible versions read “longed for his appearing” (NIV) or “who eagerly look forward to his appearing”(NLT).
Bible scholars state the crown referenced is figurative rather than anything that could be placed on someone’s head. They believe the Apostle Paul may have had the victor’s garland in mind for athletic events such as a footrace. This seems probable, since Paul mentioned three victories: fighting the good fight, finishing the race, and keeping the faith.
F.F. Bruce suggests in his Bible commentary that it might describe righteousness, once imputed, as becoming a reality. “A crown will be the lot of all whose lives have been controlled by the prospect of his appearing,” writes Bruce.
Walking It Out
I think of the parable of the talents found in Matthew 25:14-30 when I read Bruce’s comment. In this parable, a man going on a journey entrusts his property to his servants, each according to their ability. Two of the servants invest what was given them, and the third buries it. The two who invested wisely were called faithful upon their master’s return and rewarded for their work.
Paul is like these faithful servants. God sent him out as a missionary, and he faithfully spread the gospel and discipled those who believed his message. There are plenty of instructions in Scripture that tell us how to be living as we wait for Christ’s return. In keeping with his discipleship duties, Paul left a list. You’ll find it at the end of his letter to the Thessalonians in verses 5:12-22.
His advice is to honor our leaders in the Lord’s work. Show great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. No one is perfect; therefore, love, honor, and respect are given despite their flaws and mistakes.
We are to live peacefully with each other. Instead of living in a critique mode, refrain from judging. Ask if the issue is that important on a scale of one to ten. The format of the church bulletin, the menu for a luncheon, or how a ministry is organized is often just a matter of opinion.
Those who are idle should be warned. People are to be doing what Jesus has instructed when He returns. Erin Davis in a podcast episode of “The Deep Well” said to call people out of the pews and into the work of the church. Help them see their gifts and remind them Christianity is not a spectator sport.
The body of Christ is to help one another be ready for Christ’s return, so we encourage those who are timid, lacking courage or confidence. We take tender care of the weak, whether the ailment is physical or spiritual. Patience is required for everyone.
If we are wronged in some way, rather than trying to “pay back evil for evil,” we do good to each other and all people.
Because we belong to Christ Jesus, we are always joyful, thankful in all circumstances, and consistent in prayer. After all, we are living in light of His return.
We are to allow the Holy Spirit to do His work in us and through us and not scoff at prophecy, but test it. Hold on to what is good, but avoid every kind of evil.
We can do all these things as we go about our activities of daily living, enjoying coffee in the morning and reading a good book before bedtime. We don’t drop out of life, but we live life differently, aware that our present reality is not forever. Jesus Christ will return.
©2025 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved
Resource:
1-The Rapture of the Church by Don Stewart published by Eternity Bound Publishing, San Clemente, California.