There is laid up for me
the crown of righteousness.
—2 Timothy 4:8
I get a lump in my throat reading 2 Timothy 4 because it is the last chapter in Paul’s last letter, and he is telling Timothy goodbye. His death is near.
Still, he voices a valedictory of victory: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day” (2 Tm 4:7–8).
And he jotted this P.S. for you: “not only to me, but also to all who look forward to his appearing.”
Paul—and you—will receive the award for a race run and won.
The winner’s trophy, the graduate’s diploma—yours is reserved for you and will be given to you “on that day.”
What a day of rejoicing that will be.