February 26, 2022
“Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” Revelation 3:11
Jesus is telling the commendable church at Philadelphia to continue in perseverance, or hold fast! What exactly was it that made them so different? The answer is three-fold. They had a proper recognition of the pure truth of God’s Word. They understood the need to continue their study, for the truths of the Word are deep and inexhaustible. And they felt the divine impetus to share with others the everlasting gospel and its power to save souls.
“. . . that no one may take your crown.” Are we to view each other suspiciously, as competing for position or recognition? Of course not! This phrase is a reinforcement that the Word of God will accomplish its purpose. It will prosper! (see Isaiah 55:11)
The only thing that will cause me to lose my grip on the three facets listed above is my sinful sluggishness. God has made it clear that, while He offers the privilege to take part in building His kingdom, He cannot indefinitely tolerate hesitation and reluctance by His professed people. Reuben lost his place as the firstborn of Israel to Judah (1 Chronicles 5:1-2). Saul lost his anointing as king over Israel to David (1 Samuel 16:1,13). Judas lost his place among the twelve apostles to Matthias (Acts 1:16,20,26). And the Jews, as a nation, lost their place to the Gentiles as the chosen carriers of the gospel message to the world (Acts 13:46).
Beloved, I pray that your love for Jesus will grow as you spend time in His Word. The crown that He desires to give each of us is very different from the crown He took on our behalf. The thorns that symbolize the curse that our sin brought upon the world (Genesis 3:18) were cruelly pressed down upon the sweetest and purest head that has ever been.
When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Matthew 27:29
His suffering secured for us a crown of righteousness!
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12