“Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved His appearing” (2Tim 4:8).
The Russian Judge
Growing up as a sports fan in the sixties and seventies, I was painfully aware of the infamous “Russian judge” at the Olympics. Back in a previous millennium, Cold War tensions spilled over into athletics.
In just about every event involving an evaluation of a performance, some dude from the Soviet bloc would toss out a ridiculous score ruining the chances of an American athlete. Figure skating. Gymnastics. Ski jumping. Diving. Boxing.
Some red-blooded jock from the good ol’ U. S. of A. would train for four years and deliver the performance of their lives only to see a judge from a communist country ruin any chance of a medal. You could never trust the Russian judge. Ever.
The Ultimate Victory
A couple of thousand years ago, the Apostle Paul knew his eternal fate wasn’t in the hands of some puppet looking to rig the system against him. Despite being on Death Row in a Roman prison, he writes to his spiritual son about ultimate victory.
“Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved His appearing” (v8). Unlike certain American Olympians, Paul trusts in the One who will make the call on his performance.
Up Close and Personal
Just like the TV networks like to give us those up-close-and-personal feature stories about these little known competitors in weird Olympic sports, let’s take a closer look at how the man from Tarsus found himself walking the Green Mile as an enemy of the Roman Empire.
Everything changed for Paul one day outside the city Damascus. Back in the day, the apostle previously known as Saul was trying to wipe the followers of Jesus off the face of the Earth (Acts 8:1-3). He was on his way bring the pain on another group of Christ’s disciples when the resurrected Rabbi/Carpenter supernaturally mugged him (Acts 9:1-8).
From Murderer to Messenger
The next thing you know, this murderer becomes Jesus’ number one messenger. An assassin becomes an apostle. In case your keeping score at home, that’s exactly the same thing Christ does to you and me. He turns enemies into family members (Rom 5:8-10; Col 1:21-22). Our Savior loves flipping the script by showing off and using “what is foolish in the world to shame the wise” (1Cor 1:27). And by “foolish,” he’s talking about you and me.
Saul the Assassin transforms into Paul the Apostle and dedicates his life to touring the Mediterranean Rim telling everyone about how Jesus has thrown the doors of God’s kingdom open to everyone. This totally freaks out the Jewish leaders who immediately put a contract out on Paul in order to shut him up once and for all.
A Letter from Prison
After a wild and crazy thirty years on tour for the Good News, the apostle finds himself behind bars (2Tim 1:16; 2:9). It’s not the first time but it will certainly be the last. Paul writes to his protege Timothy (2Tim 1:2) who at last report is leading the megachurch in the big port city of Ephesus (1Tim 1:3).
For most of the letter, the author passes the baton of ministry to the young pastor (2Tim 2:1-4:5). He hopes to see Tim one last time (2Tim 4:9, 21). He has lifted the glass of his life and poured himself out in an act of worship to Jesus (2Tim 4:6). It’s Paul’s last call.
At this point, the man from Tarsus transitions from the last drops of his earthly existence to the overflowing goodness of everlasting life with Jesus. He understands clearly that death is only a transition. His life has been a thrill ride. But now someone in the Roman government has sentenced him to die. And you thought you couldn’t trust the Russian judge!
And That’s Not All!
Paul begins talking about what will go down on the other side of eternity when he writes “Henceforth” (v8). Okay, the folks at the ESV decided to use a word we don’t hear much these days unless you’re binge-watching “Downton Abbey.”
It’s the Greek word λοιπος/loipos, which means from now on, in the future, finally, or in addition. The term refers to whatever part of the whole that remains. It’s like those informercial announcers who keep saying, “And that’s not all!” Believe me, this is WAY better than a second ShamWow.
The Keeper of the Crown
The apostle “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness” (v8). What’s next is a crown. A crown that Christ has kept safe until Paul’s arrival. He describes that what the Lord will give him is currently “laid up” (Gr. αποκειμαι/apokeimai). It describes something put away, stored up, reserved for safe keeping. It literally means “separately (Gr. απο-/apo-) laid away (Gr. -κειμαι/-keimai).”
In hockey, the champion wins the coveted Stanley Cup. Most of the time, they display the cup under tight security at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. But as the league is about to crown the new champ, the cup hits the road under the watchful eye of Phil Pritchard, AKA the Keeper of the Cup.
Phil stores the Stanley Cup in its protective case. He wears white gloves anytime he takes it out. Wherever the cup goes, he goes. As its caretaker, he makes sure that Lord Stanley’s legendary trophy is “laid up” for the winning team.
Heavenly Security
It’s the same with the award Paul will receive. God will personally make sure nothing happens to it before the apostle crosses the threshold into eternity. While the Keeper of the Cup does a great job, it’s nothing compared to heavenly security. Not even the British crown jewels get that level of protection!
The apostle is absolutely sure that nothing’s going to happen to the prize God will present to him. It’s safe and sound. Same for every follower of Jesus. He personally ensures its safety. Don’t worry your pretty little head about it.
Not THAT Kind of a Crown
What sort of award awaits us on the other side? According to Paul, it’s “the crown of righteousness” (v8). If you’re like me, when you hear “crown,” you immediately picture a king or queen wearing one of those awesome gold lids covered in jewels. While those are pretty sweet, it doesn’t sound like that’s the kind of crown we’re getting.
The apostle uses the Greek word στεφανοσ/stefanos, which actually describes a wreath. No, he’s NOT saying Jesus is giving you something to hang on your front door during the holidays. This is the award made of leaves given to the winner of an athletic contest back in ancient times.
Crowns, Trophies, Rings, and Medals
Remember the sports analogy the apostle gave us in the previous verse. “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith” (2Tim 4:7). He’s comparing the end of his life lived for Jesus to going the distance and leaving everything on the field. He’s headed to the medal stand.
Long before there were championship trophies, rings, and medals, the winner received a crown of laurel leaves. Did you know that’s where we get our expression “resting on your laurels?” If you’re sitting on the winner’s crown, you’re doing it wrong. But I digress.
Other Crowns in the New Testament
The writers of the New Testament talk a lot about these sort of crowns. First and foremost is the “crown (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos) of thorns” Roman soldiers slammed on our Savior’s head as they tortured and mocked Him (Mt 27:29; Mk 15:17; Jn 19:2, 5). The King of Kings wore that crown of ridicule so that we could receive the crown of righteousness.
Paul tells the Corinthians there’s a big difference between a champ’s laurel wreath and what God gives us at the end of our race. While the crown won by race winner will eventually wilt, the prize we receive is “imperishable” (1Cor 9:25).
The apostle wants his friends in Philippi to know that they are “my joy and my crown” (Phil 4:1). He writes pretty much the same thing to the Thessalonians. “For what is our hope or joy or crown (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos) of boasting before our Lord Jesus at His coming? Is it not you” (1Th 2:19). What greater trophy can there be on this side of heaven that people who follow hard after Jesus after He uses you in their lives?
Jesus’ kid brother James says those who hang tough for the faith “will receive the crown (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos) of life” (James 1:12). Peter reminds church leaders how Jesus will give each of them “will receive the crown (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos) of life” (James 1:12).
And you can’t turn a page in the Book of Revelation without tripping over a crown! There’s “the crown (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos) of life” (Rev 2:10). Enemies of Jesus are out to “seize your crown (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos)” (Rev 3:10-11). Elders are seen wearing “golden crowns (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos)” and later “cast their crowns (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos)” to God in worship (Rev 4:4-10).
Championship Hats
Think of the “crown of righteousness” (v8) like the hats handed out to the victorious team after winning the championship. You know, those officially licensed lids you can order online immediately after your favorite club takes the title. It can be yours for just $39.99 plus shipping and handling.
A couple of major differences between a championship caps and the “crown of righteousness” (v8). First of all, the righteous crown is MUCH more expensive. Trust me, it’s WAY out of your budget. You can’t afford it. Second, God is buying it for you.
This Crown Comes with a Cost
The righteous crown is free but certainly not cheap. It cost God the life of His one and only Son. That’s because we don’t get one of these hats because of anything we’ve done. It’s not about our righteousness. It’s all about what Christ did for us that we could never do for ourselves.
We’re eligible for a “crown of righteousness” (v8) by placing our trust in Jesus. He lived the perfect life of obedience (i.e. righteousness) that I’ve failed to live. He died the brutal death for my sin that I should have died. He rose to a glorious new life that I in no way deserve.
The Great Exchange
Because of the victory He won for us, we receive a championship crown. It’s all part of the most lopsided trade in history. He takes our rebellion and disobedience and gives us His perfection. Martin Luther calls it the Great Exchange. In one of his letters to the Corinthians, Paul says the sinless Son of God actually became our sin so “we might become the righteousness of God” (2Cor 5:21).
Just to be clear, there’s no righteous crown if it were up to you and me. It ain’t happening. We only receive one because of the overwhelming grace of Jesus and His substitutionary life, death, and resurrection on our behalf.
The Righteous Judge
You may be wondering what in the Wide World of Sports this has to do with the infamous Russian judge. So glad you asked. The one who’s in charge of doling out these championship caps is “the Lord, the righteous Judge” (v8). In other words, the Lord Jesus is the person who makes the call. Not some underhanded judge from the eastern bloc.
Aren’t you glad to know that the only One who truly IS righteous decides who gets the righteous crown? There’s no handwringing before the judges post their scores for the performance. No freaking out about money be exchanged under the table. No wondering if you’ll get a legit score.
It’s in the hands of Jesus. Not me. Not you. Not the Russian judge. And that’s a VERY good thing!
YOU Get a Crown! And YOU Get a Crown!
Just to make sure there’s no mistake about who gets one of these crowns, Paul goes out of his way to that it’s “not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing” (v8). It’s like Hat Day at the game. Picture walking through the turnstiles, they tear your ticket and asking you if you love Jesus. “You betcha!” Then they hand you a nifty “crown of righteousness” (v8).
There’s a good bit of debate about whether Paul is talking about Christ’s original incarnation or His long-awaited encore. While I think the apostle is talking about Jesus’ original appearance in Palestine, does it really matter? If you loved Him then, you’ll love seeing Him the next time. If you’re one of His followers and weren’t around before, you’ll love it when He returns.
Whatever the case, it’s going to be like one of those crazy Christmas episodes of “Oprah.” YOU get a crown! And YOU get a crown! And YOU get a crown! Each and every person who loves Jesus will get a spectacular crown of righteousness. Again, it’s not up to the host of a talk show. It’s not up to the Russian judge. It’s up to the Righteous Judge!
Truth for Today
So how do we apply all this? What good do these words in a 2,000-year-old letter from a Roman prison do for me?
First of all, God has your eternal reward in safekeeping until your arrival. Don’t worry about anybody stealing or damaging it before you get there.
Second, I know that my current circumstances or even any future situation have nothing to do with eternal reward. If Paul has this kind of confidence on Rome’s Death Row, I can be confident as well. Diagnosis. Divorce. Unemployment. Bankruptcy. None of them disqualifies a follower of Jesus from receiving their crown.
Third, these championship caps aren’t a limited time offer. They don’t just go to “professional” Christians and other spiritual superstars. Everybody who loves the idea of seeing Jesus gets one of a “crown of righteousness” (v8).
Finally, we can trust in the One who’s giving them out. Jesus is the Righteous Judge. Certainly NOT the Russian judge.
The Russian Judge
Growing up as a sports fan in the sixties and seventies, I was painfully aware of the infamous “Russian judge” at the Olympics. Back in a previous millennium, Cold War tensions spilled over into athletics.
In just about every event involving an evaluation of a performance, some dude from the Soviet bloc would toss out a ridiculous score ruining the chances of an American athlete. Figure skating. Gymnastics. Ski jumping. Diving. Boxing.
Some red-blooded jock from the good ol’ U. S. of A. would train for four years and deliver the performance of their lives only to see a judge from a communist country ruin any chance of a medal. You could never trust the Russian judge. Ever.
The Ultimate Victory
A couple of thousand years ago, the Apostle Paul knew his eternal fate wasn’t in the hands of some puppet looking to rig the system against him. Despite being on Death Row in a Roman prison, he writes to his spiritual son about ultimate victory.
“Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved His appearing” (v8). Unlike certain American Olympians, Paul trusts in the One who will make the call on his performance.
Up Close and Personal
Just like the TV networks like to give us those up-close-and-personal feature stories about these little known competitors in weird Olympic sports, let’s take a closer look at how the man from Tarsus found himself walking the Green Mile as an enemy of the Roman Empire.
Everything changed for Paul one day outside the city Damascus. Back in the day, the apostle previously known as Saul was trying to wipe the followers of Jesus off the face of the Earth (Acts 8:1-3). He was on his way bring the pain on another group of Christ’s disciples when the resurrected Rabbi/Carpenter supernaturally mugged him (Acts 9:1-8).
From Murderer to Messenger
The next thing you know, this murderer becomes Jesus’ number one messenger. An assassin becomes an apostle. In case your keeping score at home, that’s exactly the same thing Christ does to you and me. He turns enemies into family members (Rom 5:8-10; Col 1:21-22). Our Savior loves flipping the script by showing off and using “what is foolish in the world to shame the wise” (1Cor 1:27). And by “foolish,” he’s talking about you and me.
Saul the Assassin transforms into Paul the Apostle and dedicates his life to touring the Mediterranean Rim telling everyone about how Jesus has thrown the doors of God’s kingdom open to everyone. This totally freaks out the Jewish leaders who immediately put a contract out on Paul in order to shut him up once and for all.
A Letter from Prison
After a wild and crazy thirty years on tour for the Good News, the apostle finds himself behind bars (2Tim 1:16; 2:9). It’s not the first time but it will certainly be the last. Paul writes to his protege Timothy (2Tim 1:2) who at last report is leading the megachurch in the big port city of Ephesus (1Tim 1:3).
For most of the letter, the author passes the baton of ministry to the young pastor (2Tim 2:1-4:5). He hopes to see Tim one last time (2Tim 4:9, 21). He has lifted the glass of his life and poured himself out in an act of worship to Jesus (2Tim 4:6). It’s Paul’s last call.
At this point, the man from Tarsus transitions from the last drops of his earthly existence to the overflowing goodness of everlasting life with Jesus. He understands clearly that death is only a transition. His life has been a thrill ride. But now someone in the Roman government has sentenced him to die. And you thought you couldn’t trust the Russian judge!
And That’s Not All!
Paul begins talking about what will go down on the other side of eternity when he writes “Henceforth” (v8). Okay, the folks at the ESV decided to use a word we don’t hear much these days unless you’re binge-watching “Downton Abbey.”
It’s the Greek word λοιπος/loipos, which means from now on, in the future, finally, or in addition. The term refers to whatever part of the whole that remains. It’s like those informercial announcers who keep saying, “And that’s not all!” Believe me, this is WAY better than a second ShamWow.
The Keeper of the Crown
The apostle “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness” (v8). What’s next is a crown. A crown that Christ has kept safe until Paul’s arrival. He describes that what the Lord will give him is currently “laid up” (Gr. αποκειμαι/apokeimai). It describes something put away, stored up, reserved for safe keeping. It literally means “separately (Gr. απο-/apo-) laid away (Gr. -κειμαι/-keimai).”
In hockey, the champion wins the coveted Stanley Cup. Most of the time, they display the cup under tight security at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. But as the league is about to crown the new champ, the cup hits the road under the watchful eye of Phil Pritchard, AKA the Keeper of the Cup.
Phil stores the Stanley Cup in its protective case. He wears white gloves anytime he takes it out. Wherever the cup goes, he goes. As its caretaker, he makes sure that Lord Stanley’s legendary trophy is “laid up” for the winning team.
Heavenly Security
It’s the same with the award Paul will receive. God will personally make sure nothing happens to it before the apostle crosses the threshold into eternity. While the Keeper of the Cup does a great job, it’s nothing compared to heavenly security. Not even the British crown jewels get that level of protection!
The apostle is absolutely sure that nothing’s going to happen to the prize God will present to him. It’s safe and sound. Same for every follower of Jesus. He personally ensures its safety. Don’t worry your pretty little head about it.
Not THAT Kind of a Crown
What sort of award awaits us on the other side? According to Paul, it’s “the crown of righteousness” (v8). If you’re like me, when you hear “crown,” you immediately picture a king or queen wearing one of those awesome gold lids covered in jewels. While those are pretty sweet, it doesn’t sound like that’s the kind of crown we’re getting.
The apostle uses the Greek word στεφανοσ/stefanos, which actually describes a wreath. No, he’s NOT saying Jesus is giving you something to hang on your front door during the holidays. This is the award made of leaves given to the winner of an athletic contest back in ancient times.
Crowns, Trophies, Rings, and Medals
Remember the sports analogy the apostle gave us in the previous verse. “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith” (2Tim 4:7). He’s comparing the end of his life lived for Jesus to going the distance and leaving everything on the field. He’s headed to the medal stand.
Long before there were championship trophies, rings, and medals, the winner received a crown of laurel leaves. Did you know that’s where we get our expression “resting on your laurels?” If you’re sitting on the winner’s crown, you’re doing it wrong. But I digress.
Other Crowns in the New Testament
The writers of the New Testament talk a lot about these sort of crowns. First and foremost is the “crown (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos) of thorns” Roman soldiers slammed on our Savior’s head as they tortured and mocked Him (Mt 27:29; Mk 15:17; Jn 19:2, 5). The King of Kings wore that crown of ridicule so that we could receive the crown of righteousness.
Paul tells the Corinthians there’s a big difference between a champ’s laurel wreath and what God gives us at the end of our race. While the crown won by race winner will eventually wilt, the prize we receive is “imperishable” (1Cor 9:25).
The apostle wants his friends in Philippi to know that they are “my joy and my crown” (Phil 4:1). He writes pretty much the same thing to the Thessalonians. “For what is our hope or joy or crown (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos) of boasting before our Lord Jesus at His coming? Is it not you” (1Th 2:19). What greater trophy can there be on this side of heaven that people who follow hard after Jesus after He uses you in their lives?
Jesus’ kid brother James says those who hang tough for the faith “will receive the crown (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos) of life” (James 1:12). Peter reminds church leaders how Jesus will give each of them “will receive the crown (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos) of life” (James 1:12).
And you can’t turn a page in the Book of Revelation without tripping over a crown! There’s “the crown (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos) of life” (Rev 2:10). Enemies of Jesus are out to “seize your crown (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos)” (Rev 3:10-11). Elders are seen wearing “golden crowns (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos)” and later “cast their crowns (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos)” to God in worship (Rev 4:4-10).
Championship Hats
Think of the “crown of righteousness” (v8) like the hats handed out to the victorious team after winning the championship. You know, those officially licensed lids you can order online immediately after your favorite club takes the title. It can be yours for just $39.99 plus shipping and handling.
A couple of major differences between a championship caps and the “crown of righteousness” (v8). First of all, the righteous crown is MUCH more expensive. Trust me, it’s WAY out of your budget. You can’t afford it. Second, God is buying it for you.
This Crown Comes with a Cost
The righteous crown is free but certainly not cheap. It cost God the life of His one and only Son. That’s because we don’t get one of these hats because of anything we’ve done. It’s not about our righteousness. It’s all about what Christ did for us that we could never do for ourselves.
We’re eligible for a “crown of righteousness” (v8) by placing our trust in Jesus. He lived the perfect life of obedience (i.e. righteousness) that I’ve failed to live. He died the brutal death for my sin that I should have died. He rose to a glorious new life that I in no way deserve.
The Great Exchange
Because of the victory He won for us, we receive a championship crown. It’s all part of the most lopsided trade in history. He takes our rebellion and disobedience and gives us His perfection. Martin Luther calls it the Great Exchange. In one of his letters to the Corinthians, Paul says the sinless Son of God actually became our sin so “we might become the righteousness of God” (2Cor 5:21).
Just to be clear, there’s no righteous crown if it were up to you and me. It ain’t happening. We only receive one because of the overwhelming grace of Jesus and His substitutionary life, death, and resurrection on our behalf.
The Righteous Judge
You may be wondering what in the Wide World of Sports this has to do with the infamous Russian judge. So glad you asked. The one who’s in charge of doling out these championship caps is “the Lord, the righteous Judge” (v8). In other words, the Lord Jesus is the person who makes the call. Not some underhanded judge from the eastern bloc.
Aren’t you glad to know that the only One who truly IS righteous decides who gets the righteous crown? There’s no handwringing before the judges post their scores for the performance. No freaking out about money be exchanged under the table. No wondering if you’ll get a legit score.
It’s in the hands of Jesus. Not me. Not you. Not the Russian judge. And that’s a VERY good thing!
YOU Get a Crown! And YOU Get a Crown!
Just to make sure there’s no mistake about who gets one of these crowns, Paul goes out of his way to that it’s “not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing” (v8). It’s like Hat Day at the game. Picture walking through the turnstiles, they tear your ticket and asking you if you love Jesus. “You betcha!” Then they hand you a nifty “crown of righteousness” (v8).
There’s a good bit of debate about whether Paul is talking about Christ’s original incarnation or His long-awaited encore. While I think the apostle is talking about Jesus’ original appearance in Palestine, does it really matter? If you loved Him then, you’ll love seeing Him the next time. If you’re one of His followers and weren’t around before, you’ll love it when He returns.
Whatever the case, it’s going to be like one of those crazy Christmas episodes of “Oprah.” YOU get a crown! And YOU get a crown! And YOU get a crown! Each and every person who loves Jesus will get a spectacular crown of righteousness. Again, it’s not up to the host of a talk show. It’s not up to the Russian judge. It’s up to the Righteous Judge!
Truth for Today
So how do we apply all this? What good do these words in a 2,000-year-old letter from a Roman prison do for me?
First of all, God has your eternal reward in safekeeping until your arrival. Don’t worry about anybody stealing or damaging it before you get there.
Second, I know that my current circumstances or even any future situation have nothing to do with eternal reward. If Paul has this kind of confidence on Rome’s Death Row, I can be confident as well. Diagnosis. Divorce. Unemployment. Bankruptcy. None of them disqualifies a follower of Jesus from receiving their crown.
Third, these championship caps aren’t a limited time offer. They don’t just go to “professional” Christians and other spiritual superstars. Everybody who loves the idea of seeing Jesus gets one of a “crown of righteousness” (v8).
Finally, we can trust in the One who’s giving them out. Jesus is the Righteous Judge. Certainly NOT the Russian judge.
Amen!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kelly!
ReplyDelete