2 Timothy 4:7 (CSB)
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Have you ever seen someone run a marathon, and when they get close to the finish line, they begin to sprint? It's like the adrenaline kicks in and the pain and suffering get overwhelmed by the hope and joy of finishing. Just like a marathon, our spiritual journey as believers should be about finishing strong. And here's the great thing: God offers promises for those who finish strong.
These promises are supposed to fill our spiritual lives with excitement and joy. The more we focus on these promises, the more spiritual excitement we will have coursing through our souls to finish strong. Today, let's dive into these three powerful promises found in the Book of Revelation for those who finish strong.
1. The Promise of the Crown of Life
Revelation 2:10 (CSB), Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will experience affliction for ten days. Be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
The Crown of Life is a promise from Christ that enduring faithfulness will be rewarded in heaven. In ancient athletic games, like modern-day Olympics, a crown was given as a prize to the victors. But unlike those temporary crowns, the Crown of Life is eternal.
This is a gracious gift from God to those who endure in faith. It is not something that they have earned through their efforts or merits. Any ability that we have to be faithful is itself sustained by the grace of God, making the crown ultimately a testament to His goodness, grace, and mercy to His people. So be encouraged today if you're going through trials, temptations, or persecutions, knowing that God sees you and has a reward waiting for you in heaven.
2. The Promise of Eating from the Tree of Life
Revelation 2:7 (CSB), “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
The tree of life is none other than Jesus Christ. In the Garden of Eden, the tree not only gave life but also prevented death. For those who partake of this tree in the New Jerusalem, they will truly be seeing God. This is a promise of eternal communion, of eternal life in the very presence of God, knowing Him intimately.
3. The Promise of Hidden Manna, a White Stone, and a New Name
Revelation 2:17 (CSB), Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name is inscribed that no one knows except the one who receives it.
This promise is as strong as a three-stranded rope, intertwined and unbreakable. First, God offers hidden manna—this is the powerful love of God, sweeter than honey and rarer than the finest gem. Second, you receive a white stone—this signifies your complete and total forgiveness in Christ Jesus. And third, on that stone is a new name—a name known only to you and God, authenticated by the Holy Spirit dwelling within you.
Run the Race to Finish Strong
So when life gets hard and you're bouncing around on the back of the Struggle Bus, remember these promises. When you're overextended and exhausted, remember the crown. When you're spiritually hungry, remember the Tree of Life. And when you're unsure of your identity in Christ, remember the hidden manna, the white stone, and your new name. Let these promises be a source of Kingdom adrenaline coursing through your spiritual veins. You can finish strong and look forward to the embrace of a loving Father who is waiting at your finish line. So press on, because my friends, it will all be worth it in the end!