What awaits you after this life?
In his final days on this earth, Paul — writing to his protege Timothy — declares that “the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day” awaits him.
The trials of this life are many, and often cause us great pain and suffering. However, do not despair. Fight the good fight, meaning: Draw on all of your resources — in heaven and on earth — to resist the evil one and his schemes. Stay in the race to the finish, meaning: Don’t quit — ever. Keep the faith, meaning: Remember that God, through Jesus, has assured victory at the end of all things — even if it doesn’t look that way now.
The rewards written of by Paul are not only his — but ours, as well, if we wait in longing for His appearing.
What awaits us after this life? Life in the presence of the Lord. The crown of righteousness. Hearing the righteous Judge say to us, “Well done.” – Luther