Introduction

‘And you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.’ 2 Peter 1:11

Peter’s initial conclusion of his discourse in 2 Peter 1 extends from verse 10 to 11. In verse 11, he pinpoints that a rich welcome into God’s eternal kingdom awaits us if we ‘do these things’.

This immediately indicates what our goal is. Adding the Christian graces is therefore not an end in themselves, but the target is to obtain a rich welcome into Christ’s glorious eternal kingdom.

Paul’s final admonition to Timothy was beautifully concluded when he wrote of his readiness to depart. No words can be more comforting: ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day! …….’.

Paul confidently asserts that he did not run the race half way, but he finished it. He did not allow a shipwreck of his faith, but he kept the faith. He did not stumble in battle, but he fought the good fight. Again, Paul did not forget to let us know that the crown of righteousness was not only to him, but to all who have longed for Christ’s appearing. We are all included – let’s keep the faith!

Paul’s first treatise to the Corinthians was concluded with an admonition that they should stand firm, allowing nothing to move them. He encouraged these Christians to always give themselves fully to the work of the Lord, because of the knowledge that their labour in the Lord is not in vain!

The same admonition is applicable to us. We need to understand that our labour in the Lord is not in vain, therefore it becomes un-disputably important to keep our eyes on the goal. Let’s finish the race!

‘For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 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.’ 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Prayer

Righteous Father, we thank You for the mansions on high. As we run the race marked out for us, help us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.