History Books in 90 Days: Esther 6-10
2 Timothy 4:8 (NIV); Now there is in store 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 longed
for His appearing.
Paul tells us that we will be rewarded by Jesus if we long for His appearing. All who have loved
Jesus and eagerly awaited His return will receive a crown of righteousness!
Despite all of the crowns of glory and the rewards and riches of power, possessions, pleasure
and praise, Jesus Himself is the Great Reward. Those who long for His return understand this. To
finally see Jesus face-to-face, to touch Him and talk to Him, and to fully understand Him is a reward
beyond comparison. Those who understand this in this life – that a relationship with Jesus is better
than wealth and power and affirmation and pleasure – are truly prepared for eternal life. These are
the people who are living for the line despite all the temptations to live for the dot.
But what do we do when we don’t long for His coming? Longing for Jesus’ return doesn’t mean that
we have to hate life on earth. We can love life and still long for Him to come back, knowing that
life will get even better than this. The more we press into Jesus and grow in our relationship with
Him, the more we allow Him access into our lives and make Him our functional Lord, seeking His
will and direction, the more we will long for Him. If you do not long for Jesus’ appearing, do not be
discouraged – ask! Pray and ask God to grow your desire to see Jesus.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. What are some things that are keeping you from having a genuine longing for Jesus’ return?
Ask Jesus to reveal anything more, and then talk to Him about these things. Be open and
honest with Him.
2. Think about Jesus’ return. What are some things you look forward to when He comes back?
What are some things you long for? In payer, thank Him for the promise of His return.
3. Spend some time praying and asking God to cultivate a longing for His return in you. Ask Jesus
to show you how you can grow in this area.
