Focus on God’s Goodness-Crown of Righteousness

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Second Timothy 4:7 and 8.

Near the end of his life on earth, the Apostle Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 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.”

The hope of Christ’s appearance has a purifying effect on our faith. We want to be ready for that day when Jesus takes His followers home to be with Him forever. Paul described this event in First Corinthians 15:51 when he said, “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed-in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”

Those who look forward to this day will find encouragement to be faithful today, and live with a bright hope for the future.

The Crown of Righteousness reveals the Goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com