“The crown . . which the Lord . . will award to me on that day.” 2 Timothy 4:8 NIV.

God rewards those who finish triumphantly, with undiminished faith.

My thoughts and comments today are about “Graduation Day.”

This is the season for graduations. Days ago, the Academy Principal and I presented diplomas to our 2013 graduates, among which was our younger granddaughter, Madelyn. As each name was called, a joyful graduate came forward to be recognized for their individual and academic achievements – a proud moment for students, and families as well. Part of their academic journey complete, another commenced.

In eternity, there is also a day of commensurate recognition that surpasses any comparison in this lifetime. God has appointed a time for honor and recognition. Ultimate recognition of a Godly life will come in Heaven’s surrounding company of family and friends. See Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV.

Surveying his ministry and life, the Apostle Paul wrote, “The time has come for my departure . . 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 to me only, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8 NIV. Paul had done all he could, obediently and faithfully; “I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” Vs. 7.

It’s never as much about how you start as how you finish. Reward is for those who persevere cheerfully and finish triumphantly, with faith undiminished. Finish strong; finish well. Paul’s faith rested on the character of “. . the Lord, the Righteous Judge,” as yours must rest upon. Paul’s assurance was beyond what he had done, anchored in his certainty of who God is – just and righteous. Read Titus 3:3-8 NIV.

Down here, the best you do can sometimes seem to lack notice or appreciation. But all, great or small, that is done in His Name does not go unnoticed. See Mark 9:41 NKJV. Every edifying word is recorded; every act of obedience is noted; every noble exploit has its reward; every sacrifice in His Name is honored. But those deferred rewards are not always in the coin you assume nor when you might prefer. Be assured, “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them . . Your Father, who sees in secret, will Himself reward you openly.” Hebrews 6:10 NIV/Matthew 6:4 NKJV.

Your race is not in competition with others nor by comparison with them. Our race is common; rewards are individual. “Holding fast the words of life, so [we] may rejoice in the day of Christ that [we] have not run in vain or labored in vain.” Philippians 2:16 NKJV. I awoke this morning with long-familiar words of a chorus in my spirit, “It will be worth it all when we see Jesus. Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Him. One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase. So let us run this race, ‘til we see Christ.” Joyfully anticipating His words, “Well done,” I await that incomparable Graduation Day.

My prayer for you today is that you live for the day you stand before God.