By Elder Tan Chin Tiong
On 8 September last week, we received news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth ll, aged 96, the United Kingdom’s longest-serving monarch after reigning for 70 years. Her son, Prince Charles III who had been set apart years ago for this royal duty, automatically took over the throne. However, the actual proclamation and crowning of the new King took place only a few days later although for all intents and purposes, he had started discharging his duties as King.
For the past one week, my eyes have been glued to the TV, watching the news reporting of this historic event and I managed to catch a glimpse of the majestic display of the monarchy. Among many things, one item that caught my attention was the royal crown.
As I reflected on the monarchy and the crown, I was reminded once again that we as children of God, saved and redeemed by the blood of Christ, have been chosen, consecrated and set apart to serve our King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Like Prince Charles, we too have a royal bloodline because we have been adopted into God’s royal family, through Jesus Christ to proclaim His excellencies.
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Therefore, with this assurance;
- Let us stop living as impoverished orphans and start walking and living out the royalty, grace and dignity we have in Christ.
- Let us leave the sins of our past and live like we are truly forgiven and free.
- Let us replace our filthy rags of shame with the sacred robe of righteousness of Christ.
- Let us receive the anointing power of the Holy Spirit to walk a victorious Christian life.
Just as Prince Charles had to wait awhile before receiving the official crown, we too can look forward to our future crowning as we discharge our Kingdom responsibilities on earth now. The Bible records for us that God has prepared at least five crowns for each one of us when we get to heaven. A crown symbolises a badge of loyalty and honour. It is also seen as a reward for winning something in an athletic contest. Yes, besides forgiveness of sins and restoration of our relationship with God our Father, we can look forward to His commendations in a form of a royal crown when we see Him face to face. So, who will receive these crowns?
1) Crown of life/Martyr’s crown (Rev 2:10)
- For those who remain faithful and persevere under trials, even to the point of death.
2) Incorruptible/Imperishable crown (1 Cor 9:25-27)
- For those who demonstrate self-denial, exercise discipline and remain focused till the end.
3) Crown of Righteousness (2 Tim 4:8)
- For those who long and yearn for the second coming of Jesus Christ.
4) Crown of Glory (1 Pet 5:4)
- For those who faithfully and sacrificially shepherd the flock of God.
5) Crown of Rejoicing (1 Thess. 2:19)
- For those who reach out beyond themselves and lead others to heaven.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, be encouraged that we have been adopted into God’s royal family through Jesus Christ and, now and always will be, a prized possession of God. We are dressed with the righteous robe of Christ as we faithfully and sacrificially serve in His Kingdom. Finally, with great anticipation, we look forward to that day when we will receive His royal crowns prepared for us.