Hold on Tight to Your Crown

Revelation 3:11 (NIV) “I am coming soon.  Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”

We read fairy tales and watch movies that tell of kings and queens wearing royal crowns.  A crown is typically referred to when speaking of royalty, so why does the Apostle John, in speaking to each one of us, warn us to not let anyone take our crown?  Could it be truth and not fairy tale that places a spiritual crown upon our royal heads?

We are instructed in God’s Word to guard our hearts, to keep ourselves from idols, to keep a tight rein on our tongues, to give to the needy, look after orphans and widows…and to guard our crowns?  What must one do to receive a crown, and why is it so important to guard it?

A crown was referred to in the Old Testament as an actual headdress worn by royalty or other persons of high merit or honor.  David’s golden crown was a prize of battle (II Sam. 12:30) and was worn as a sign of authority on his throne or when leading his forces in combat.  “Crown” is also used figuratively in the Old Testament when referring to gray hair as a crown of splendor (Prov. 16:31), a virtuous wife being her husband’s crown (Prov. 12:4), and God’s crown of blessing on mankind (Ps. 8:5).

In the New Testament, Paul refers to a crown several times.   Just as we honor our Olympians with crowns, or wreaths, Roman athletic games were a very big deal, with a laurel wreath given to each winner.   Any athlete entering into the games was required to go into ten months of strict training. If an athlete neglected training, he or she was eliminated from the races.  The wreath, symbolizing triumph and honor, was a very coveted prize in ancient Rome.   Paul reminds us, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” (I Cor. 9:24&25)

The incorruptible crown Paul speaks of is one obtained from a life of faithful obedience and self discipline as we train ourselves to study God’s Word, walk in step with the Spirit and pray; running toward our heavenly reward. 

At the end of his life, in his last letter of final instructions and encouragement, Paul writes, “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  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 only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (II Tim. 4:8)

It is through  trials and sufferings that we are prepared for the crown of life God has in store for us, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (Jas. 1:12)

The incorruptible crown, the crown of righteousness and the crown of life are God’s promise to all who live for Him and love Him with an undying love. 

Our King bore upon His head a crown of thorns so that we might be given the crown of life.  Although we may bear the cross for awhile in this present life; one day we will wear the crown to eternity. 

And our King graciously reminds us, “I am coming soon.  Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” (Rev. 3:11)


Stay the Course...


Sheila

Today’s Prayer:  “Lord, there are no words to thank You for the sacrifice You were willing to make when You suffered and died, wearing a crown of thorns upon Your head, for me.  It is because of Your obedience and love that I am able to love You and live my life for You.  I have been saved by Your grace, not of my own merit.  I will not sit in the Grandstands watching the races; I will be disciplined and focused as I choose to live each day as an athlete in strict training, running my race in such a way as to  bring You glory, not losing sight of the prize.   Please help me to see that trials are necessary as they develop within me perseverance, so that I will be strong when I cross the finish line to receive the Crown of Life.  Lord, You are all I am living for.  I will finish the race and keep the faith.  I love You with an undying love.  In Jesus name, amen.”