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Scripture:
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 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. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)Reflections:
One of the good example in the Bible who have fought the real fight is apostle Paul. The above phrase is written in his last epistle before his martyrdom at A.D. 67. So we can assume that words here may sum up his whole race in his unwavering faith he had for Jesus.Suffering is really not a choice to face for a follower like us. It is the reality a Christian should accept and face as he traverse the uncertainty of life. It is a part of our following and it is a never-ending fight against evil - inside and out. It is not a physical one but we fight against the spiritual forces.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)
Paul was so zealous for the Lord. He did not quit even though he faced too much of this suffering. (see 2 Corinthians 11:21-33)
Despite the consuming fear and threat the adversaries had put in front of him and made him experienced, he continued preaching the gospel. Paul knew that there is something at the end of the line. Paul knew that his labor is not in vain. Paul knew that to live is Christ and to die is gain. Paul knew that things he did for Christ is worth the pain. He called this fight "a good fight". And he was writing his last epistle not thinking of his coming death but focusing to the glorious reward when Jesus would step forward to give him the "crown of righteousness" as a reward for his service.
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. (2 Timothy 4:8)
The word "crown" used in here comes from the Greek word "stephanos" which means a crown given to athletes (runners), as they finish the race victoriously - Victor's crown. It is not the crown wore by kings, it just made of olive branches and leaves. At the end of a race, a winner is crowned as a public recognition of the things he did to prepare: the discipline, the endurance, the training, the commitment, and all that he gave to win the race. So it is the main aim of anyone who joined the race.
How joyous it is for a Christian who is fighting the good fight of faith and that at the end of the line, Jesus is waiting to place a Victor's crown on their head.
5 Victor's crown stated in the Bible:
1. Crown of incorruption
Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. (1 Corinthians 9:25)This is given to those who practiced self-governance. Those who do not allow the flesh to hinder their race.
2. Crown of rejoicing
For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? (1 Thessalonians 2:19)This is given to those who brought others to Jesus.
3. Crown of righteousness
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. (2 Timothy 4:8)This is given to those who longed for the appearance of Jesus and lived their lives holy in the anticipation of his return.
4. Crown of glory
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. (1 Peter 5:4)This is given to those who pastor's the sheep of God.
5. Crown of life
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. (Revelation 2:10)
This is given to those who suffered for their faith, those who died for Christ, or those who were committed to finishing their race of faith regardless of the difficulties they encountered in this life.
Paul was focusing on the end line. So if someone right now is experiencing a fight wherein each small amount of emotional, physical, and spiritual strength is needed, I encourage you to lift your eyes to God and continue long for that very moment of Jesus placing the Victor's crown in your head, as a reward of you finishing the race and not quitting. This is a good fight!
Photo by: Myungeun
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