Discover His heart: He will one day reward us with crowns for our faithfulness
“There she is, Miss America. There she is, your ideal……” What little girl hasn’t dreamed of having that glittering crown placed on her head as she walks the aisle to begin her reign as Miss America? There’s something about a crown that adds validity to a role. One time I toured the Treasury of the former rulers of Austria, and let me say, those folks knew how to design a crown. Extravagant crowns filled with large diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires were beautifully displayed, all behind glass and security. No doubt the weight of each crown was excruciating, but don’t we love their beauty. Well, one day we’ll see some crowns that could only be described as priceless.
@ I Peter 5
“And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches…when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.” (1,4) The life of a pastor is often difficult with few accolades, but Peter declared a crown of glory and honor that will last forever for those faithful pastors. How do you put a price on that?
“After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy.” (I Thessalonians 2:19) The crown of rejoicing will be given to those who have led others to the Lord, but I believe seeing them in heaven will be reward enough! Priceless!
“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12) This is the crown that marks us as one who loves God, and this is the crown for which we have been waiting. It is our identity, it is invaluable!
“And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8) For those who are not tied to this world and its riches but looking for the return of Jesus, this crown of righteousness will be given. More precious than gold!
These are the crowns we will receive from the Lord when He returns for us, and their worth puts all others since the beginning of time to shame. However, I don’t think we will be displaying them in our heavenly homes or wearing them around heaven. No, I believe we will follow the example of the 24 elders, “the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne.” (Revelation 4:10)
How could we not give to Him, the One who loves us most, our prized possessions, the treasures we value most? With all of heaven we will sing, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come… You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power.” (Revelation 4:8,11)
Moving Forward: I’m looking for Him today, staying faithful to the end and bringing along as many as I can to heaven with me. Hoping to adorn Him with many crowns!
Tomorrow @ Deuteronomy 13-15
Phyllis Benigas 