December 7: An Eternity of Bliss.
The Crown for the Fruition of Our Work.
After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy.--1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20, NLT
THERE IS A FUTURE JOY to which Paul looked forward as the recompense of his labors--the same joy for the sake of which Christ endured the cross and despised the shame--the joy of seeing the fruition of his work. "What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing?" he wrote to the Thessalonian converts. "Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For ye are our glory and joy." 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20.
Who can measure the results to the world of Paul's lifework? Of all those beneficent influences that alleviate suffering, that comfort sorrow, that restrain evil, that uplift life from the selfish and the sensual, and glorify it with the hope of immorality, how much is due to the labors of Paul and his follow workers, as with the gospel of the Son of God they made their unnoticed journey from Asia to the shores of Europe?
What is it worth to any life to have been God's instrument in setting in motion such influences of blessing? What will it be worth in eternity to witness the results of such a lifework?--Education, 70.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.
And now the prize awaits me--the crown of righteousness, which the Lord,
the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return.
And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
--2 Timothy 4:7, 8, NLT
The Crown for the Fruition of Our Work.
After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy.--1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20, NLT
THERE IS A FUTURE JOY to which Paul looked forward as the recompense of his labors--the same joy for the sake of which Christ endured the cross and despised the shame--the joy of seeing the fruition of his work. "What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing?" he wrote to the Thessalonian converts. "Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For ye are our glory and joy." 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20.
Who can measure the results to the world of Paul's lifework? Of all those beneficent influences that alleviate suffering, that comfort sorrow, that restrain evil, that uplift life from the selfish and the sensual, and glorify it with the hope of immorality, how much is due to the labors of Paul and his follow workers, as with the gospel of the Son of God they made their unnoticed journey from Asia to the shores of Europe?
What is it worth to any life to have been God's instrument in setting in motion such influences of blessing? What will it be worth in eternity to witness the results of such a lifework?--Education, 70.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.
And now the prize awaits me--the crown of righteousness, which the Lord,
the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return.
And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
--2 Timothy 4:7, 8, NLT
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