Crown: January 15, 2013

TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY JANUARY 15, 2013

CROWN

DEFINITION:

Any of various types of headgear worn by a king or monarch as a symbol of sovereignty or royalty; an award for a great achievement.

SCRIPTURE:

There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness. II Timothy 4:8

He will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. I Peter 5:4

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

James tells us, all who love the Lord, will receive the crown of life, and Timothy says, that we have a crown of righteousness waiting for us, and Peter declares we will receive a crown of glory. In ancient Greece crown-like wreaths were awarded to the victors in athletic events.

The crown of life, which James refers to, is eternal life that will be the ultimate award for all believers. The crown of life is a crown of victory. On the cross of Calvary Jesus defeated Satan and won the victory over death. When God decides our time on earth is over, we who have accepted Jesus will defeat death. Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:57

The crown of righteousness represents the eternal righteousness we receive through Jesus Christ as a result of our Salvation. The crown of glory is the reward Christ will award at His second coming, when all must appear before Him at the judgment seat where He will evaluate the faithful service of believers. What a glorious day that will be!

How many times have you either wondered or silently said to yourself "I fear I shall never enter heaven?" Are you one that doubts? Fear not because every person in our world who put his or her trust in the Lord shall enter heaven and has no reason to fear.

Recently, we read of the remarks made by a man who was dying. He said that he had no fear about going to heaven and in addition he said he had sent before him all the things of importance. God, he said, had forgiven his sins and he had accepted Jesus as his Savior so he was on his way to heaven. He also said that God had His finger on the latch of his hearts door and he was ready for Him to enter and take him home.

Then someone said to this elderly man, "Aren't you concerned about losing your inheritance?" “NO, NO, NO, NO,” he responded. He went on to respond further by saying that he sent his inheritance ahead of him and there is one crown in heaven that “God has made for me and it will only fit my head and even the apostle Paul cannot wear it because it fits only me.”

This little story, which is a true story, serves as a reminder to us that as children of God, we cannot lose our inheritance and crown that God has for us in heaven. In Revelation 3:11 we read to “Hold fast what you have, so that no one may take your crown.” No one can take our crown away if we are faithful and hold fast to our faith in Jesus Christ. If you have repented of your sins, believe in the Lord Jesus, and have asked Him into your heart, there is not only a place reserved for you in heaven, but you will be crowned with crowns that are more majestic and more beautiful and certainly more valuable than any earthly crown.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in I John 1:9

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

PRAYER:

Thank You Lord for the valuable inheritance which will be mine in heaven. Help me today to make a priority of doing what God expects of me to receive my crown when I arrive in heaven. Help me and my family to put our priorities in the things and issues that count for eternity.