For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10

Dear children, we have learned about two different crowns which are given as rewards for serving the Lord Jesus Christ. They are the Incorruptible Crown and the Crown of Rejoicing. The former is for those who have run the Christian race faithfully to the end while the latter is for those who have faithfully borne witness for Christ.

For this devotion, we will learn about the Crown of Righteousness which is mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:8: “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” This crown is given to those who love the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The return of the Lord Jesus will be preceded by an event known as “The Rapture”. The Lord Jesus will descend from heaven with a shout from the archangel, and the dead in Christ shall rise and meet Him in the air. After that, those who are still alive shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord, and be with Him for ever (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

One day, every believer of the Lord Jesus Christ will meet Him in the air. This meeting will happen in the blink of an eye. When all the believers are with the Lord, there will be a period of great tribulation on the earth. The people who remain on earth will suffer many difficulties, and face the judgment of God.

After the seven years of tribulation on earth, the Lord Jesus Christ together with all those who have believed on Him will rule the earth for a thousand years. This period is known as “The Millennium”. During this period, there will be peace. There will be no war, no fighting among the people on earth because the Prince of Peace is the Ruler!

The Apostle Paul testified that he would receive the Crown of Righteousness from the Lord Jesus Christ when He returns. He would meet Him in the air and would receive his reward for patiently waiting for His return. Paul’s love for the Lord’s return was proven by what he had done for Christ. He had fought a good fight, finished his course and kept the faith (cf. 2 Timothy 4:7). In other words, he had obeyed God, and fulfilled the duty that the Lord Jesus Christ had given him.

Children, where will you be when the archangel shouts? Will you be with the Lord Jesus Christ or remain on the earth? Will you be one of the saved or one of the unbelievers left behind?

You must live your life following the example of Paul. You must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and prove your love for Him by obeying His words, and patiently wait for His return. Only then will you be rewarded with the Crown of Righteousness.