Crowns

Man makes a lifetime of running around, trying to lay up riches for himself.  Psalm 39:6 states: “…every man walks about like a shadow; he heaps up riches, and does not know who will gather them.” 

 

In Proverbs 27:24 it states “Riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations.”  Wow!  That is a truism.  I have just been reading II Kings and very seldom did a kingdom go from father to son, to son.  Someone, maybe a Captain of the Guard, or an outside villain would have a ‘coup’ and kill the king, then take over the throne.

 

We may never receive a crown while here on earth.  Some of us may never receive any kind of reward or medal for accomplishments or great leadership; but the Bible says there is a ‘crown’ waiting for each of God’s children when we get to Heaven.

 

Paul states in II Timothy 4:8 “Henceforth there is laid up for me the “Crown of Righteousness” which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will award to me and recompense me on that day—and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and yearned for and welcomed His appearing.”  So here we have a “Crown of Righteousness”.

 

Another Crown we will receive is the “Crown of Life”.  James 1:12 says “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the “Crown of Life” which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

 

In I Thess. 2:19 we hear about the “Crown of Rejoicing.”  In the KJV it is Crown of Rejoicing.  In the Amplified Version from which I have been studying lately, it is called “a Victor’s wreath of excellent triumph when we stand in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming.”

 

Here is one I am really looking forward to, found in I Peter 5:4 (KJV): “And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a “Crown of glory” that fadeth not away…”

 

The only reason we are able to even claim such crowns is because of the crown our Savior wore while here on earth, namely, the “Crown of Thorns”.  Matthew 27:29 states: “they plaited a ‘crown of thorns’, they put it on His head.”

 

When I was in Israel we were shown the kind of thorny bush from which they took the branches to make the crown.  The thorns were an inch, to an inch and a half long.  These they twisted together and put on His head, no doubt forcing it down so the thorns pierced his skin.

 

When I think of the crown Jesus wore, knowing it was part of the curse He took for me, so that someday I can stand before Him wearing my Crown of Righteousness, I feel so humbled, so very unworthy. 

 

My Prayer: The crowns You give Your children, Lord, are incorruptible; they will last forever and ever.  And these crowns are mine only because of what you did on Calvary.  I have done nothing to deserve them.  You are so good!  You are the Life in me!  You are my All and my Salvation.  Holy Lord, You are my treasure and it is at Your feet where I will lay down my heart and my crown!  Amen