Sunday, 13 December 2020

The crown of life

 

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. – James 1.12

 

I wish I knew more about the crowns that we are promised in the word of God. All I know for sure  is that they are some kind of reward for living for God and that we will one day have the joy of casting them at Jesus’ feet.

 

God has promised a crown of life to all those who love Him. Enduring trials is a true test for loving God. If we don’t love God we are not going to survive the trials. So as we learn to love Him to carry us through the trials we prove our love for Him.  

 

Somehow at the end of our days if we have shown our love by trusting Him He will give each of us this crown of life.

 

Revelation 2.10 also mentions the crown of life in the context of tribulation:

 

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

 

This word translated ‘crown’ simply means a reward. For those who love God through testing and trial will receive this special reward. We already have eternal life, so this is a separate reward intended as a motivation to stick with it through the testings and receive this eternal reward.

 

What blessing to be able to look for a special reward from God.

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