WORDTIPS: THE CROWNS EARNED IN THE WAY OF THE CROSS| The Cross and the Kingdom of God (Part 3)
THE CROWNS OF THE KING OF KINGS – Many crowns on the head of Jesus Christ
John in his vision saw Jesus with many crowns on His head (Revelation 19:12). What are the many crowns on His head?
ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND EARTH WAS GIVEN TO KING JESUS
When Jesus was raised from His death and set in the heavenly realms, the Father God exerted Him far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:20-23)
We, the body of Jesus Christ for whom Jesus is the Head are filled by all His fullness and are promised with rewards and crowns according to our works.
THE FIVE CROWNS FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE AND FOLLOW JESUS CHRIST
1. Imperishable Crown (1 Corinthians 9:24-26) – For those who run their race on earth with strict discipline according to His Word and finish their race successfully (2 Timothy 2:5)
2. Crown of Rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:19) – For those who suffer and pour their lives to win souls (Philippians 2:17; 4:1)
3. Crown of Life (James 1:12) – For those who have been tested with many tests and have gladly endured and passed their tests (James 1:2-3)
4. Crown of Righteousness (2 Timothy 4:7-8) – For those who have fought their good fight for their faith, have kept it and have successfully finished their race in this world. For those who have fled away from the lusts of this world and have pursued after godly virtues (1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22).
5. Crown of Glory (1 Peter 5:2-4) – For those who shepherd their flocks not out of compulsion or greed but whole-heartedly being their examples.
THE CURSED THORNS ON OUR SAVIOUR’S HEAD
When God cursed the earth because of man’s disobedience, He cursed it with thorns and briers (Genesis 3:17-18). So it was our sin that brought the thorn to the earth. As the ram that was caught in the thorns at Mount Moriah was offered as a burnt offering instead of Isaac, so was Jesus Christ Offered at the Mount of Calvary. (Genesis 22:13; Luke 23:33) The same knife and the same altar that was meant to kill Isaac now killed an innocent ram. That none of the curses that were meant to lawfully become ours because of our sins, Jesus bore the symbols of curse – the cross and the thorn upon Him and set us free.
LAYING OUR CROWNS AT THE FEET OF JESUS
Instead of the crown of thorns that we had to bear, Jesus died in our stead and has promised us many other crowns of honor. The saints in the kingdom of God are seen casting down their crowns at the feet of God every time they worship Him saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power” (Revelation 4:10-11). The many crowns in the head of Jesus as envisioned by John are the crowns of His saints that are actually due to Him but has magnanimously taken ours and given His. Let us remember that any honor or glory that we have gained today is all due to Him who bore our curses and laid His life for us.
HIS CHILDREN ARE HIS CROWNS
The same Lamb of God that was slain for us is now upon the throne. He is coming back with many royal crowns upon His head to judge the world (Revelation 19:12) and the saints of God, all those who overcame the world through His Word and blood are seen coming together with Him (Revelation 19:14). As Paul says that the godly people are His crowns, so does Jesus Christ happily return back to earth with us, His royal diadem (Isaiah 62:3).
