Crowns Received

 

 

Our Bible Teacher was reminded of the table of showbread in the tabernacle with the decorative crowns bordering the table’s edges. Today we examined the scriptures about Crowns Given:  From my notes I present an edited lesson.

Isaiah 46:1 The false gods, Bel and Nebo, bow down. Their objects of worship were put on animals and cattle and the wagons had heavy loads making it hard for the tired animals.

The Children of Israel often would find themselves influenced by their neighbors who worshipped idols and false gods.  They would make an idol of gold, or carve a figure from wood or stone and carry it from place to place.  Although they would cry and pray to these idols, the god could not answer or save them.

Our God was reminding them that He was the true God and He would carry them and protect them.

Isaiah 46:3-4 “Listen to Me, O family of Jacob, and all who are left of the family of Israel. You have been helped by Me before you were born and carried since you were born. Even when you are old I will be the same. And even when your hair turns white, I will help you. I will take care of what I have made. I will carry you, and will save you.

We are also to remember the true God and all He has done for us.  We are talking about our king who was crowned with a Crown of Thorns.

When Jesus appeared before the judgment court room, Pilot asked him, “Are you a King?”  John 18:37 “Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

 

Money can be a god.  Money in its self is not evil, but it is the LOVE of money that is wrong. 

Jesus spoke in Matthew 6:19-20  Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is there your heart will be also.

Jesus told a young ruler who was seeking eternal life to keep the commandments, and love your neighbor.  The man said he had kept the commandments, so what else was he lacking?  Jesus told him to sell all his possessions, give the money to the poor and come follow him.  The man left very sad, because he owned much property.

We must hold our belongings with an open hand not a clinched fist.

Jesus asks us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these other things will be added unto us.

Follow me said Jesus and I will give you rest.

We believe Jesus will return soon and there will be rewards given.  Revelations 22:12 "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.

Timothy spoke about a Crown of Righteousness.   II Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Paul wrote about the perishable crown given to the winners of a game. 1 Corinthians 9:25 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.

Peter wrote about a crown of Glory:  1 Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Paul mentioned a Crown of Rejoicing:  I Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

Paul likened those he had won to Christ as his crown of glory and joy.

James wrote about those who resist temptation shall receive a Crown of Life.

John writes about the elders casting their crowns at Jesus feet.  Revelations 4:10-11 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that is sitting on the throne, and worship him that lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for you have created all things, and for your pleasure they are and were created.

We have choices everyday.  It is up to us to be responsible to serve God with a willing heart.  He does not force us to worship Him, but desires our ready mind to decide to serve Him completely.  Keep focused with your eyes on Jesus.