April 30, 2006

Surrendered Crowns

You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power. —Revelation 4:11

Once during her reign, England’s Queen Victoria listened to a chaplain preach a sermon about the second coming of Christ. Those near the royal box noticed that the queen’s eyes were filled with tears.

When the service ended, she asked to see the chaplain alone. Seeing her great emotion, he asked why she was so moved. She replied, "Because of what you said about the coming again of the world’s rightful King, I wish still to be here when He returns that I might lay my crown at His blessed feet!"

There are many incentives for faithful service that involve both our acts and our motives. These rewards, which are designated as "crowns" in the New Testament, are to be earned by those who have first received the gift of eternal life.

Perhaps you’re saying, "I would never expect to be rewarded for what I do for Christ." Have you considered what you may do with any crown you receive on that day? There will be no trophy cases in heaven; no gloating over earthly accomplishments. Redeemed sinners will have the transcendent joy of casting their crowns before the throne and saying, "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power" (Revelation 4:11). —Paul Van Gorder

Crown Him with many crowns,
The Lamb upon His throne;
Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns
All music but its own! —Bridges

Heaven’s crowns are not for keeping but for casting at Christ’s feet.