Good Things Ahead - Paul

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

Prior to his death in 1975, Aristotle Onassis, the famous shipping tycoon and one of the wealthiest men of the twentieth century, began giving enormous amounts of money to various charities. Was this an act of benevolence? Was Onassis trying to bring something good out of his impending death? Not quite. It appears that Onassis gave away his money because he wanted to earn a place in heaven.

As the apostle Paul contemplated his own end, a very different sort of resolve filled his soul. He had spent most of his adult life faithfully serving God, and he knew the futility of trying to earn God’s favor. He also knew that faithful service would prepare him for God’s staggering blessings.

Paul clearly felt at peace with his imminent death. That was natural because he didn’t see his life as his own. He believed that everything about his life—what he did and whatever happened to him—belonged completely to Jesus (see 2 Timothy 4:6).

Paul was also at peace because he knew that he had remained faithful to his calling and would enjoy the eternal benefits of that career choice. “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.” Paul found great comfort in realizing what lay ahead for him beyond the executioner’s sword.

Although you’re not an apostle, you can enjoy the same comfort today. As Paul wrote, “The prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.”

Nothing in this life—enjoyable or painful—can compare with what awaits you in heaven as a follower of Jesus Christ. In the meantime, your job is to faithfully serve Jesus so that you can more fully enjoy his blessings in this life and encourage others to work toward their own eternal reward.