REVELATION 4: 9-11
What a wonderful scene described here in this biblical passage of Revelation seeing all the servants of God who stand before His throne. What are they doing? Strutting through the sky while displaying their CROWNS? Are they separated from each other like peacocks, proudly displaying their tangible trophies? DO NOT! In fact here the servants of God are inclined in adoration, thrown all the CROWNS before the Lord in an attitude of adoration and praise; attribute all dignity and honor to the One who deserves praise: TO THE LORD OUR GOD! From this base we will study five classes of CROWNS available for the church. Let's see what they are and what we have to do to earn them and get them.
1.- THE INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN (1 CORINTHIANS 9: 24-27)
This crown (reward) is promised to those who victoriously run the race of life. The word "thrashing the body" that appears in biblical verses 26 and 27 makes clear that this reward will be granted to believers in Christ who constantly "SUBMIT THE FLESH TO THE CONTROL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT": that is; only those who put into practice the truths that Paul describes (Romans 6: 6-14, 8: 1-13, Colossians 3: 5-17, Hebrews 12: 1). In fact, "I hit my body" (verses 26, 27) also refers to the boxer's metaphor (boxing) to represent the Christian life with fidelity, fighting against sin and the works of the flesh. Remember that in Biblical times, especially in the Corinthian era (Isthmian Games or Olympics), the athlete who struggled, struggled and sacrificed to reach the finish line and win the race with a corruptible crown (wreath) was awarded. (laurel or olive branches) that over time withered, dried and damaged: it was something perishable (1 Corinthians 9: 24, 25). How much more the believer for an INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN? (1 Corinthians 9:25)
2.- THE CROWN OF JOY (PHILIPPIANS 4: 1, 1 THESSALONIANS 2: 19, 20)
This crown (prize) corresponds to those who "WINS SOULS" and will be of such a nature that those who receive it will boast and rejoice. In fact the apostle Paul claims it for himself in relation to the groups of believers whom he had won and made disciples of Jesus Christ: the Philippians (Philippi) and the Thessalonians (Thessaloniki). The Lord will distribute this crown to those servants who are faithful to proclaim the gospel or the good news of Salvation, leading the souls to Christ and then edifying them (discipling) in Him (Matthew 28: 18-20; Mark 16: 15, 18; Luke 24: 45-48; John 20: 21-23; Acts 1: 8; Romans 10: 14, 15).
3.- THE CROWN OF JUSTICE (2 TIMOTHY 4: 7, 8, APOCALYPSE 3: 11)
Another way called the crown that consists of justice, the crown that the just judge gives in all justice on that day: the day of the second coming of Jesus Christ (His coming). This crown as the same name says it will be granted as a prize to a "FAIR LIFE" and to those who every day "MANIFEST A SPECIAL LOVE TOWARDS THE IMMINENT RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST AND THEY EXPECT IT". They are the believers who live on earth with their minds set on the values of eternity. This great truth was declared by the Apostle Paul categorically to Timothy, remembering him (Paul) his thirty years of work as an apostle (36-66 AD), using a figure from the world of sports (the fight or the fighter): the fighter considered that he has finished his fight successfully and the figure of the athlete or runner: as the athlete also considered his successful career ended. In fact beforehand and from the beginning Paul had declared it like this in his farewell speech at a place called Miletus (Acts 20:24).
- THE CROWN OF LIFE (JAMES 1: 12, 2:10, APOCALYPSE 2:10)
This is the reward that awaits the saints who during their earthly life "SUFFERED" in a noble way. We see this related to the words: "The man who has withstood the test" and with the expression "those who love him". This crown is not simply promised to believers who endure suffering and trials; but to those who, during all the time they SUPPORT THE EVIDENCE, "LOVE" the Lord and Savior. Therefore the fact of "LOVING" the Lord and the desire that He be glorified in trials and through them, becomes the double motive for which the believer bears. Saints who fulfill these requirements will receive, "the crown of life": eternal life, as indicated by the fact that the Greek verb is in the future: "RECEIVE" (James 1: 12).
- THE CROWN OF GLORY (1 PEDRO 5: 1-4)
This prize is promised to those who faithfully "PASS THE GRAY OF THE LORD". Those shepherds who feed (care for) the flock fulfilling these requirements (requirements) described here by the Apostle Peter will receive "the crown of glory" (v. 2, 3):
Caring for the flock: responsible grazing (Ezekiel 34: 1-31)
Not by force, but voluntarily: not by obligation but by goodwill as God wants.
Not for dishonest gain, but with courage soon: with enthusiasm and not for ambition or to earn money.
Do not lord it over the flock: do not be cruel (PDT), tyrants (NVI), dictators, authoritarian and imposing (another translation) with those in charge; but rather be willing to serve (Matthew 20: 25-28) and understand once and for all that JESUS CHRIST is the Great Shepherd of the flock, which he bought with a blood price: His blood (Acts 20: 28, Hebrews 13: 20 1 Peter 1: 18, 19).
Being an example of the flock: giving a good example and being a model in all areas for the sheep.
In other words, disposition, dedication, sacrifice, humility, exemplary life, transparency and other requirements are required more than the Word of God itself (Acts 20:28, Titus 1: 5-9, 2: 1-15).
Glory to God! For all these "CROWNS" that you have reserved and prepared for us His followers. They will be ours if we comply, obey and take into account the requirements (requirements) and conditions that each of them have. Let's go for those crowns! AMEN THAT YES!