RECEIVING YOUR CROWN
Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.--2 Timothy 4:8
The inquiry in many hearts is, How shall I find happiness? We are not to make it our object to live for happiness, but we shall surely find it in the path of humble obedience. Paul was happy. He affirms repeatedly that notwithstanding the sufferings, conflicts, and trials that he was called to bear, he enjoyed great consolation. He says, "I am filled with comfort; I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation."
All the energies of the chiefest of the apostles were bent to a preparation for the future, immortal life; and when the time of departure was at hand, he could exclaim in holy triumph, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day." And the shout of victory of this warrior of faith has come sounding down the ages to our time.
It is one thing to profess the truth, but it is a very different thing to live it out. Many who profess to be keeping the commandments of God are deceiving their own souls. They have no union with Christ, and do not make the truth practical. In their homes, selfishness in interwoven with their daily life. There is manifested a want of refinement, an uncourteous, unkind selfishness.
The religion of Jesus should be carried into the home circle, the work-shop, and all the business transactions. The genuine Christian will show in his life the fruits of the Spirit. The love of Jesus will flow out naturally in words and deeds of kindness. Those who yield themselves to the heavenly power, which alone can quell tumultuous passion, will be as angels of peace and blessing in the home circle. (The Signs of the Times, May 22, 1884)
REFLECTION: We have to love the words of the hymn, "Mansion over the Hilltop" by Ira Stamphill. All of the words are good. But pay attention to the specific words that give encouragement: "Don't think me poor or deserted or lonely; I'm not discouraged, I'm heaven bound, I'm just a pilgrim in search of the city, I want a mansion, a harp, and a crown." Imagine receiving a crown from the hand of Jesus! ("Gospel Songs: Mansion over the Hilltop," http://www.traditionalmusic.co.uk/gospel-songs-chords/mansion_over_the_hilltop.htm
Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.--2 Timothy 4:8
The inquiry in many hearts is, How shall I find happiness? We are not to make it our object to live for happiness, but we shall surely find it in the path of humble obedience. Paul was happy. He affirms repeatedly that notwithstanding the sufferings, conflicts, and trials that he was called to bear, he enjoyed great consolation. He says, "I am filled with comfort; I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation."
All the energies of the chiefest of the apostles were bent to a preparation for the future, immortal life; and when the time of departure was at hand, he could exclaim in holy triumph, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day." And the shout of victory of this warrior of faith has come sounding down the ages to our time.
It is one thing to profess the truth, but it is a very different thing to live it out. Many who profess to be keeping the commandments of God are deceiving their own souls. They have no union with Christ, and do not make the truth practical. In their homes, selfishness in interwoven with their daily life. There is manifested a want of refinement, an uncourteous, unkind selfishness.
The religion of Jesus should be carried into the home circle, the work-shop, and all the business transactions. The genuine Christian will show in his life the fruits of the Spirit. The love of Jesus will flow out naturally in words and deeds of kindness. Those who yield themselves to the heavenly power, which alone can quell tumultuous passion, will be as angels of peace and blessing in the home circle. (The Signs of the Times, May 22, 1884)
REFLECTION: We have to love the words of the hymn, "Mansion over the Hilltop" by Ira Stamphill. All of the words are good. But pay attention to the specific words that give encouragement: "Don't think me poor or deserted or lonely; I'm not discouraged, I'm heaven bound, I'm just a pilgrim in search of the city, I want a mansion, a harp, and a crown." Imagine receiving a crown from the hand of Jesus! ("Gospel Songs: Mansion over the Hilltop," http://www.traditionalmusic.co.uk/gospel-songs-chords/mansion_over_the_hilltop.htm
RSS Feed
