Listen to this devotion
Crown of Righteousness
In the Word
Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness … (2 Timothy 4:8a).
Of the Word
All it takes is construction paper, scissors, paste, and a few glue-on sequins to make a fairly serviceable crown. Remember doing that as a child? Once finished it was worn proudly to proclaim the wearer as king or queen of the realm!
Though born King of Kings, Jesus never wore even a paper crown, much less a real one fashioned in gold and studded with jewels. Instead, He was given a crown of thorns in a mocking nod to His sovereignty, and He willingly bore the torment. Why? So each of us could wear His crown of righteousness! His is not a paper crown like one we might make, or even a royal crown of fantastic worth. His is the glorious crown of being right with God. This is the crown He was born to give us.
Jesus, King of Kings, calls us to come to Him in faith — faith in His birth, death, and resurrection. He invites us to kneel before Him as He crowns us "right with God" now and for eternity.
Walking with my Lord
Lord Jesus, King of Kings, rule in my heart so that I may receive the crown of life everlasting. Amen.
Mustard Seed: The Joy of Christmas. 13/32 Author: Patricia Mitchell. ©2011, revised 2024 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
