“Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me in that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).
This verse infers that there will be many who do not have this crown; who are not longing for Jesus’ appearing. The final church, the Church of Laodicea, loves this temporal life. Their wealth held their hearts and provided a false security… “You say ‘I am rich, I have acquired wealth, and I don’t need a thing!’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked” (Revelation 3:17). Be careful, for “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
The parable of the King’s Feast reveals “who” is looking for Him… The King stated, “The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come (because they were too busy). So go to the street corners and invite anyone you find… so the servants did, and they gathered the bad as well as the good. The wedding banquet hall was filled with guests” (Matthew 22:8-10). Those that longed to meet the King canceled all other plans and happily came.
Is your heart weary of this world and crying for His righteousness? Does the sin of this world grieve your soul? Do you long for His perfect peace, His love, and His Holy City? Then you have a Crown of Righteousness waiting for you. For all of eternity people will know that you were one of the “Seekers of God.” Keep seeking, keep looking, and keep the faith. Soon, your longing will be exchanged for a crown, and you will see Him face-to-face, and you will be Home.
(Devotional by Cheryl Hall-Laos)
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