Love His Appearing

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:7–8 (KJV)

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness...and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

Personal Reflection

Paul wrote these words while facing death.

He was not writing from a comfortable home while enjoying an easy retirement. His earthly course was nearly finished. Yet there is no despair in his words.

There is triumph.

“I have fought a good fight.”

“I have finished my course.”

“I have kept the faith.”

Paul's confidence was not that Rome would spare his life. His eyes were fixed upon Christ and the crown awaiting him.

Then he says something remarkable: that crown is not reserved for apostles, missionaries, martyrs, or famous preachers.

It belongs to “all them also that love his appearing.”

Do you love His appearing?

That question reaches deeper than whether we intellectually believe in the Second Coming.

Someone deeply attached to this world may believe Christ is coming while secretly wishing He would delay.

But the heart increasingly captivated by Christ begins to say, “Come, Lord Jesus.”

Loving His appearing changes our priorities. We hold possessions more loosely. We endure trials more patiently. We take holiness more seriously. We become concerned for lost souls. We measure success by faithfulness rather than earthly recognition.

And as death approaches, this hope becomes increasingly precious.

The Christian does not ultimately look toward the grave.

He looks beyond it.

We are not merely approaching the end of earthly life. We are approaching Christ.

May we therefore live so that when our course is finished, we can look toward eternity not with terror but with expectation.

The King whom we have loved by faith will finally appear.

Contemplation

Do I merely believe that Christ will appear, or do I genuinely love His appearing?

Puritan Quote

Richard Sibbes wrote:

“There is not a more glorious object in the world than a Christian carrying himself as becomes his hopes.”

Prayer

Lord Jesus, make Your appearing precious to me. Loosen my heart from this world, keep me faithful in the fight, and help me finish my course longing to see You. Amen.

Application

Ask yourself today: “What am I holding so tightly that it makes me less eager to see Christ?” Surrender it to Him.