PRESIDENTdesk
TO receive prizes, trophies, medals, and rewards on earth, we work hard to chase after them. So do our children. The many trophies and medals are displayed in cupboards and on tables. After a few years, these prizes fade or rot. The glorious achievements of the past are not remembered well anymore. But rewards from heaven will not rot. They are eternal. For you and I who believe in Jesus, we must all the more work hard for heaven’s rewards and eternal crowns.
Dear brothers and sisters, please do not say, I just need to believe in Jesus to go to heaven and I will be satisfied.
Please do not think yourself more spiritual than Jesus and say you do not need heaven’s rewards. Remember what Jesus said, heaven’s rewards are great (Matthew 5:12), treasures are eternal (Matthew 6:20), names are precious (Luke 10:20).
Please do not think yourself more spiritual than Apostle Paul or Peter or James. Hear what they tell us about chasing after heaven’s rewards and the five crowns in heaven:
1. Crown that lasts forever:
For sharing the gospel
The Bible says: “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.” (1 Cor 9:25)
From the context of this verse, we see that the Apostle Paul is talking about how sharing the gospel must be sacrificial, hardworking, disciplined, intentional and purposeful. How is your ministry in sharing the gospel? Are you participating in sharing the gospel? Do you commit yourself fully when participating? We all know that without Jesus, life is meaningless. But we must also remember, without sharing Jesus, life is also meaningless.
2. Crown of joy:
For saving people
The Bible says: “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?” (1 Thes 2:19)
The second crown mentioned by the Apostle Paul is also related to sharing the gospel! This is the crown of joy! Sharing the gospel and bringing people to believe in Jesus is the greatest joy. Heaven and earth are full of joy!
Dear brothers and sisters, when you go to heaven, among those standing at heaven’s gate to welcome you, how many are those you have led to Christ? When you reach heaven, will you receive the crown of joy?
3. Crown of glory:
For shepherding the sheep
The Bible says, “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” (1 Peter 5:4)
The crown of glory mentioned by the Apostle Peter is for pastors of the church. Pastors need to shepherd God’s flock, to follow God’s will in taking care of them. Not because you must, but because you are willing; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:2-3). Such pastors will receive the crown of glory. Hallelujah!
Pastors must also remember the sheep outside the fold who have yet to believe, because to shepherd only the sheep within the fold can also be done in heaven. We must lead the sheep in the fold to find the lost sheep outside the fold.
4. Crown of life :
For those who suffer and are
martyrs
The Bible says: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)
Brothers and sisters, in order to receive the crown of life, we must love God. We must love him to the point of being willing to suffer for him, even to die for him. Actually, suffering and martyring is also witnessing for Christ, so that others will see Jesus in us.
5. Crown of righteousness:
For longing for Jesus’s return
Before the Apostle Paul left this world, he talked about the 5th crown, the crown of righteousness: “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Tim 4:8)
In order to receive this crown, we must always long for Jesus’ appearance, which is his second coming. When we live a holy life of witnessing for Jesus, we will always long for Jesus’ return. Like the Apostle John, we will say, “Come, Lord Jesus.” (Rev 22:20b)
Recently during the NBA basketball finals, Lebron James received the championship trophy. It was his fourth championship with three different teams. To be such a unique champion is indeed most joyous for him! But after a hundred years, a thousand years, ten thousand years… who will remember these earthly honors?
All things on earth are temporary, as breath in the wind. Only the heavenly crowns are eternal, and the joy these heavenly crowns bring are also eternal. We must chase after these heavenly rewards!