Are you longing for anything tonight?
Well the last five days or so I have been alone at home. My lovely wife and precious little girl have gone off gallivanting with my family. Strange I know that they would go and I would stay, but that is they way it works when you are in classes. To tell you the truth I was kind of looking foward to the time alone. Yes I was wishing I could see my family and I've never been to the grand canyon, but I had things that I wanted to get done. You can only get so much work done on a 35+ page papers when you have a wonderful family around to distract you.
So I know the last few days were going to be productive ones, if I could stay on task that is. And I really did quite well I get my whole rough draft punched out which turns out to be about 48 pages so I have done my scholarly duty. But I can tell you there is some definite loneliness setting in. I get to a certain point in the evening and I don't know what to do with myself other than find some sort of show to watch and play stupid apps on my phone. I am really looking forward to picking up my girls from the airport tomorrow.
In 2 Timothy chapter 4 Paul lets Timothy know he is done in. He has fought the good fight he has finished his calling, he has been poured out like a drink offering. Paul is spent he knows he has come near to the end of his ministry here on earth. 2 Timothy is believed to be the last letter Paul wrote before he died. Then paul tells Timothy what he is expecting to come next. He is completely sure there is a crown of righteousness waiting for him to be given him by his faithful judge Jesus Christ. Then he adds this crown is not only for him but for all those who have longed for the return of Christ. There is a work to be done, Paul has done his work faithfully be he longs for his Savior to return and for the work to be finished. This is the assurance of the reward of heaven, the longing to be with Jesus.
I think about the longing I have right now to see my girls, I had work to get done. I have finished it. The time while they were gone was well spent, but I am longing for their return. Now I let the thought sink a little bit deeper. I know I have many years of ministry ahead of my still, but I have to say I am longing for the return of Jesus as well. And...well...according to Paul this sense of longing means there is a crown waiting for me on that day.
Do you long for the return of Christ? Are you tired today? Are you worn out by the strain of life and you would just like some rest? We then be assured there is a crown of righteousness waiting for you to be given by your faithful judge Jesus Christ. You are in his favor and he is longing to place the crown on your head as well.
May we be haunted by a deep sense of longing tonight for the soon return of Jesus on this Easter weekend. He rose again and he has promised he is coming back for us. Let it sink if open yourself up to longing today.
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