KneEmail - a devotional by Mike Benson associated with Forthright Magazine
Crown
IN THE ANCIENT athletic games, a fragile, leafy crown was awarded the winner...
This garland -- called the victor's crown -- was a collection of pine leaves, wild olive leaves, parsley, celery leaves, or ivy. In the Isthmian Games, the prize was a pine wreath. With this crown came instant fame, high acclaim, and the life of a hero. Winners were immortalized, much as they are today. These wreaths were taken home with great pride. But in a few days they would soon wither and discolor.
Making a striking comparison, inspired authors contrasted these earthly crowns with the imperishable crown of Christ -- Heaven's Heisman. What can be said about God's eternal crown?
1. It is called "the unfading crown of glory." 1 Pet. 5:4
2. It is called "the crown of righteousness." 2 Tim. 4:8
3. It is called "the crown of life." James 1:12
4. It is called "an imperishable wreath." 1 Cor. 9:25
THOUGHT: When we stand before Christ, we will long to hear Him say to us, "Well done, good and faithful servant." The Master's approbation, His approval, is all that will matter. Then Christ will taken an incorruptible crown, shining in all its resilient glory, the emblem of God's approval for a race well run, and place it upon our head. (Steven J. Lawson)
KneEmail: "And also, if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules" (2 Tim. 2:5).