Crowns, Our Reward

Esther is such an encouraging book of the Bible. It shows us that God foresees situations and position us for His purposes. Esther seemed an unlikely person to be appointed Queen (Esther 2:17-18), but she found favour with everyone around her, especially the King. Her background did not hinder her appointment as Queen – we need to learn that lesson, that our background does not hinder our future.

Esther was appointed Queen, and the symbol of the title was placed on her head. A Crown. There are five crowns mentioned in the Bible, let’s have a look at them, and see how they affect our lives:

The Crown of Temperance (incorruptible crown)

1 Cor. 9:24-27 (NIV) “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.  Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will   not be disqualified for the prize.” 

Merely observing from the grandstand is not enough – it takes daily commitment and training to run the race. Since God's primary desire for His children is to become more Christlike in character, we need to keep our eyes on Him, and mould our character after the Lord. As we meditate on the Word of God (Joshua 1:8; Ps.1:2,3), and allow the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and discernment (I Cor. 2:14; James 1:5), then our lives come into conformity to God's design for us

The Crown of Righteousness

2 Tim 4:7-8 (Amplified) “I have fought the good (worthy, honorable, and noble) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith.  [As to what remains] henceforth there is laid up for me the [victor's] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me and recompense me on that [great] day--and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and yearned for and welcomed His appearing (His return).” 

Paul was faithful to his call.  We are expected to keep on keeping on, no matter how difficult it seemingly is getting. It will be worth it.

As Christians we anticipate Christ's return. To those who long for and anxiously await His coming, God promises this reward.  In these days of increasing wickedness, it should be an even greater desire in the lives of those who know Him to seek His righteousness and live our lives faithful to our call.

We will be rewarded according to how we have lived. God’s reward in the present is His presence and power through the Holy Spirit, and in eternity we will be rewarded for our faithfulness and service.

Crown of Life (Crown of Trials)

 James 1:12  (Amplified) “Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor's] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.”         

Rev. 2:10 (NKJV) “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

Suffering, no matter the cause, is painful. We are still going to face hardships and persecution and suffering - at times it feels like we are wearing a crown of thorns more than a crown of life. There are people around who don't know God and will ridicule us for our faith. The Devil has limited power to attack us, yet he does. In this reality God wants to continue working within us to develop our character so we can live His way. We need to learn to increase our faith in suffering. We must be more determined to draw closer to God and trust God for our heavenly reward – that of eternal life. James reminds us that God is in control and His promises are reliable.

The Crown of Glory (Crown of Teaching)

1 Peter 5:1-4 (NIV) “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”             

1 Peter 5:2-3 (Amplified) “Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion or constraint, but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages and profits [belonging to the office], but eagerly and cheerfully;  Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation). 

Those in spiritual leadership (no matter what the leadership) have a great responsibility to those under them.

There is a clear instruction to care for those whom we serve. There is also an exhortation to serve in humility and not lord it over people in our care. Leaders need to work alongside each other.  God is not unmindful of the influence we have in shaping other's character for the Lord Jesus Christ

Esther spent a year being pampered and prepared before she was brought before the king and chosen to be queen. She was ready for such a time as this. We need to embrace the times of preparation that God leads us into – so that we can be ready for such a time as this.

Crown of Rejoicing (Crown of Treasure)

1 Thes 2:19-20 (NKJV) “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.”

Lives of others are changed by God through the proclamation of His Word. Because of our ministry to others, people will change and our reward will be the Crown of Rejoicing.  We are to let the light of the Gospel of Christ shine through us to others, so that they may see Christ in us (Matt. 5:16). A Christ-like life is the best witness, for others are more impressed by who we are, than by what we say.

In Conclusion, Revelation 3:11 reminds us “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”

We have all been created different. We all have different gifts and talents. God has called each one of us to a unique ministry. He does, however, expect all of us to hold on to what He has given us and to persevere in doing His will in our lives. God has begun a good work in us, there is no reason why He shouldn’t complete that work.

Our reward will be our crown in eternity. God will crown us with glory and honour (Psalm 8:5), and we will hear God say to us “Well done, good and faithful servant”.

Esther’s obedience, courage, perseverance, favour and wisdom meant that the right person was put in the right place at the right time. We need to know that when God places us, we are in the right place for the right purpose, for such a time as this. 

Be Blessed

Jean