I had a story book about Cinderella, when I was a little girl (as did most little girls). In this particular version Cinderella got to go to the ball twice (a little different from the traditional version). On the first night she wore this beautiful powder blue gown. The next night she wore an even more beautiful pink gown. And, in the end (the best part) she got to wear a gorgeous sparkly crown! Oh, how little girls LOVE the idea of being a princess. We long to wear that beautiful flowing gown. The thought of having a sparkly crown placed on our heads, however, was even more appealing than a beautiful flowing gown. But who among us will every actually receive a crown?
Typically only people of royal descent receive crowns. Kings, queens, princes and princesses of royal families.
But the scriptures tell those of us who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that there are crowns that we can earn and receive in Heaven. It seems appropriate that we (followers of Jesus Christ) would receive crowns. We are adopted as sons and daughters of God when we become followers of Jesus Christ. We become sons and daughters of the King of Kings!
The crowns that we may receive are the imperishable crown, the crown of rejoicing, the crown of righteousness, the crown of glory, and the crown of life.
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 the apostle Paul addresses the imperishable crown. Paul compares this crown to the one received by those who used to compete in olympic type games in Greece. These olympic crowns were made of olive leaves. They eventually became brittle and fell apart. The type of crown that we will receive for living our lives well for God and with self control, is imperishable. They will not rust, decay or become brittle. They will last for all eternity. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.”. A life lived well for God, will have eternal impact(s). They (like this crown) are imperishable.
We find the crown of rejoicing in 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20. “For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy.”. Those who have a heart for evangelism will receive a this crown. Those who share Jesus Christ with others. The heavens rejoice over on sinner who comes to know Jesus. “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10. Crown of rejoicing seems appropriately titled.
Another crown that we might receive is the crown of righteousness. Those who eagerly and longingly await the return of our King Jesus will receive it. “in the future there is laid up 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 loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8. Philippians 4:1 also addresses this particular crown. “Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.”. Marinatha (our Lord is Coming) – Come Lord Jesus! Come!
Shepherds, elders and teachers in the church will receive the crown of glory. “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:. 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” 1 Peter 5:1-4.
We find the final crown, the crown of Life, in James 1:12. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”. Revelation 2:10 also addresses this crown. “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” This crown is obtained by persevering under trial. The way that we trust God and have hope in Him in the face of trials can lead to others coming to a saving knowledge of Christ. In light of this, it is appropriate that this should be called the crown of life.
Whether we receive a crown or not (as followers of Christ) Jesus Himself is our crown of glory! “In that day the Lord of hosts will become a beautiful crown And a glorious diadem to the remnant of His people.” Isaiah 28:5. He is the reason that we should strive to obtain these crowns. Because He alone, is worthy to receive our crowns and we will be able to present them to Him. “the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Revelation 4:10-11.
Father God, we praise you for your desire to adopt us as your own sons and daughters. We praise you for Jesus. Through his blood, we are adopted. Father we do pray that you would find us worthy of crowns when we arrive in glory. But not for ourselves, but to honor and glorify our Savior.
We do pray that we would be able to run the race well and receive the imperishable crown. Not for ourselves, Father. We desire that you would be glorified and others might also be adopted as sons and daughters.
We pray that we would be lead to share you with others. Let them be drawn into a personal relationship with you. And we pray that we might receive the crown of rejoicing.
Lord Jesus we do long for your return. We eagerly await your appearing. Marinatha – Come Lord Jesus, come. Through this longing we pray that we might receive the crown of righteousness.
Father, for those of us whom you have called to be shepherds, elders and teachers, we anxiously await receipt of the crown of glory.
Holy Spirit, help us to persevere under trial and glorify our Father in heaven, to those around us. We pray that we might receive the crown of life, Father.
Thank you for your promise of these crowns Father. We desire them. Not for our glorification, but for yours Lord. We are filled with anticipation and hope that we would could cast these crowns at your feet. You alone are worthy Lord.
If you do not know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, please go to our Life Preserver page (https://forgiven-n-loved.com/life-preserver/). On this page you will find a prayer outlined. Please pray this prayer. Through it, God longs to forgive you, adopt you and begin a personal relationship with you. Then you can begin your journey to receive a crown.
Once you pray that prayer, please reach out to me. I’d love to answer your questions or be in prayer for you. I can be reached at admin@Forgiven-n-loved.com.
Luv Ya!
