The Crown of Life

"Blessed is the man who endures temptation: for when he has been tried, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." 

(James 1:12)

When I read the phrase, The Crown of Life, the first thing that comes to mind is a shiny, golden crown.

And honestly, as a follower of Christ, who wouldn't want that? 

After years of suffering, trials, temptations, heartache, and the promised persecution the Bible says all who desire to live godly in Christ shall receive, a nice shiny, golden crown as a reward for all of our suffering would be really wonderful.

But after studying this passage and the original Greek word for "crown" a shiny golden crown is not the intended meaning of the word as I understand it.

The original word used in the Bible for crown is "Stefanos. The primary root of the word is "stepho" which means; "to twine or wreathe."

A Stephanos crown was the kind of award a Greek athlete would win as a prize in the ancient Olympic games. But this crown was not made of gold. It was woven from branches, probably those from an Olive tree. Think of a Christmas wreath which is woven from fir tree branches.

What is really amazing to me about the word Stephanos, is this is the same Greek word used for the Crown of Thorns that was forced down upon Jesus' head as He was being beaten and mocked by Roman guards before He was crucified.

"And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe." (John 19:2) 

To be honest, I don't know if I would want the same crown of thorns that Jesus was given. His persecution and suffering are beyond my comprehension.

But the Bible does speak of us as being partakers in the fellowship of His suffering.

 "And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith—that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death." (Philippians 3:9-10)

"The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." (Romans 8:16-18)

How do I even begin to process that? I will someday be "glorified together" with Jesus Christ? The Lord of lords and the King of kings? 

How can that possibly be?

It's true. This is the future of faithful followers of Christ. And it's all by God's grace. We don't deserve it, can't earn it by doing good works, and can't keep it by our good works.

Grace: God's unmerited, undeserved favor.

Here is the only true response any of us who love Jesus could possibly demonstrate in His presence:

"The twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:

"You are worthy, O' Lord, to receive glory, honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created." (Revelation 4:10-11) 

How could I possibly want a crown, when I am a sinner who could never pay my sin-debt, to the sinless One who paid my debt that He did not owe?

"Oh, Lord, give me—a man so unworthy—Your grace on that Day, to toss any crown I might receive, at Your feet."

The apostle Peter, who was no stranger to trials and suffering, wrote:

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:6-7)

We can greatly rejoice in our trials and suffering because it's just for a little while longer. And after it is over, we will forever be in the glorious presence of the King of kings. In His presence there will be no more tears, or sickness, or suffering, or death.

The Crown deserving of the King alone, is the royal Diadem (Greek, diadema). A shiny golden crown, decked with precious jewels. This royal crown, or diadem, is reserved for God Almighty alone.

"Now I saw Heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns (diadem). He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called the Word of God." (Revelation 19:11-13)

Jesus Christ is the Lord of lords and the King of kings. He alone could atone (pay the penalty) for the sin of mankind.

He alone is worthy to wear the Royal Diadem—the golden crown of The King—for He alone was worthy to wear the Crown of Thorns. 

As we endure the grievous trials, persecution, and suffering that are part of the life of a faithful follower of Christ, may we greatly rejoice in this—knowing that the sufferings of this life can in no way compare to what awaits us on that Day that we meet Jesus Christ face-to-face.

"For I suppose that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18)

—The crown of life.

—God is Love, and Love Never Fails.