The Crown Of Life

  

The fourth, the Crown of Life, is found in James 1:12. "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial, for once he has been approved he will receive the Crown of Life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

Hey gang, notice Jesus words recorded by John the Beloved in the Revelation of Jesus, "Do not fear what you are about to suffer.  Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days.  Be faithful until death, and I will give you the Crown of Life."

This crown is for all believers, but is especially dear to those who endure sufferings, who bravely confront persecution for Jesus- even unto death.  For the past several years my bride and I have volunteered at Voice of Martyrs in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.  It is a ministry committed to reaching out, supporting and encouraging those believers who are enduring persecution. 

Before beginning our tenures in this ministry I had feelings about my persecuted brothers but, as I think back, it was a more superficial feeling.  O, I prayed that God would protect and keep these dear committed children of God but I quickly learned that that I did not have a clue what these saints of God were going through and how they dealt with the constant possibility that this might be their last day on earth. Most who are being persecuted do not asked to be released from persecution, but that their testimony will draw persecutors to Jesus.

We have been privileged to hear many underground pastors and lay teachers and have learned so many wonderful lessons that have deepened our faith.  One shared, to be a pastor in training in the underground church is to study a course called "Prison Theology", for they know that one day they will be found out and spend a portion of their lives in prison.

And how do they feel about this, in prison you have a captive audience that is hurting deeply, therefore, the opportunity for sharing the Gospel and God's love with them is a part of their everyday life.  When faced with death, they pray that God will give them the strength to remain on the Rock and show a loving witness to their persecutors.

As I read the stories of the many who are being persecuted and, keep in mind more people have died for their Lord in the last several decades than all the other times in history combined, I feel a shame for my neglect in praying for these people in a more consistent bases.  I have no clue what it must be like to be held for years a dank prison cell, taken out periodically and beaten and never knowing if you your life will end on this day. 

In Scripture the word “life” is often used to show a relationship that is right with God. It was Jesus who said, “I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).Just as things such as air, food, and water are vital for our physical lives, Jesus provides us what is required for our spiritual lives. He is the One who provides “living water.” He is the “bread of life” (John 4:10,6:35). We know that our earthly lives will end. But we have the amazing promise that comes only to those who come to God through Jesus: “And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life” (1 John 2:25).  James tells us that this Crown of Life is for all those who love God (James 1:12).

Soooo, how do we demonstrate our love for God?  John answers this, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3)  As long as we live—may we ever move forward, always “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2) and receive the Crown of Life that awaits us.

Blessings,

Gramps