At one stage of my life I entered for every competition under the sun. I really wanted to win something. I longed to go and pick up a package with my name on it from the post office. I could already imagine how I would open the package and take out my amazing gift, but obviously, it never happened.

This reminds me of my national service days on the border. You know, one had all the time in the world to develop the most creative ideas ever. Still longing for that package waiting at the post office, I got out my pen and wrote Simba a beautiful letter.

I can’t remember everything I put in it, but I know it was really soppy and concluded more or less as follows: And when a soldier receives a package from the States with no Simba product in it, that package is a flop.

I was amazed when an enormous package arrived from Simba filled with all their best products, enough for all the men in the tent to feast on for a few days. Wow, it was good to go and pick up such a package filled with presents from the post office.

And since it worked with Simba, we obviously sent lovely soppy letters to all the big companies. I had to go to the post office quite regularly to pick up my packages. It was lovely to receive gifts of their products from all of them. I remember Cadbury’s package contained new chocolates that hadn’t even been on the market yet.

I also remember the package from Gants Foods (they made canned food): A recipe book! Well, I cannot repeat the guys’ comments here …

I had to generate my own “prizes” with nice little letters to the big companies. But it was also a huge event in our tent – the excitement to go and pick up that package from the post office, walking back to the tent, and eventually opening it!

My wife is luckier with competitions. The other day she bought three chocolates that allowed her to enter for a competition. And they actually phoned her. She must come and get her prize at the Spar. A box freezer of all things. What excitement!

But even greater excitement waits for us who believe in God. At the gates of heaven each of us will win a huge prize. Look at this: ⁸All that’s left now is the shouting—God’s applause! Depend on it, He’s an honest judge. He’ll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming. Can you see the picture of you walking into heaven and being crowned with the victor’s crown?

Wow, I would be jumping up and down with joy. I know tears would run down my cheeks. My mouth would hang open, because I would actually not believe I had made it. I would throw my arms in the air, come to a standstill and drink everything in.

What a prospect! Something all of us who believe in Jesus will win.

So, go and live like a winner. Know your identity in Jesus and go and live in such a way that He cannot wait to crown you one day!

Scripture
2 Tim 4:6-8

Reflection
Are you looking forward to the prize-giving?
Will it be easy for Jesus to crown you?
Do you have to make a few adjustments?

Prayer
Jesus, I look forward to seeing you. I look forward to receiving my victor’s crown. Thank you for making it possible for me to come and live with You. Amen.