Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Revelation 2:10 (ESV)
As of this morning, the United States has over 100,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and over 1,500 deaths as a result of COVID-19. Millions of Americans are jobless, anxiety across America keeps rising, and still no end in sight. The coronavirus has affected everyone in some form or fashion.
I have read that the COVID-19 disease was named coronavirus because of its shape and/or its crown-like spikes. Did you know that corona in Spanish means “crown”? When I heard this, my mind flashed back to a Wednesday night Bible study on Romans with our Pastor. During the study, the Pastor mentioned receiving crowns in Heaven. It was a vivid memory because at the time he said it I thought what crowns, what is he talking about, I have never heard of such a thing.
I left that Bible study and went home and started researching. To my surprise, the Bible talks about 5 different crowns that will be given to some of God’s people when they enter into heaven.
- The Imperishable Crown – (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)
- The Crown of Rejoicing – (1 Thessalonians 2:19)
- The Crown of Righteousness – (2 Timothy 4:8)
- The Crown of Glory – (1 Peter 5:4)
- The Crown of Life – (Revelation 2:10)
I was bewildered. I thought to myself, how did I miss this? I called myself a Christian, attended church and Sunday school the majority of my life, yet I had never heard of such a crown, not to mention five crowns, that will be given out in Heaven. The only crown I knew of was the crown of thorns. Could this be that many no longer preach about Heaven and Hell in our churches? Could the Devil have been hiding this from me? Could I just not have been paying attention? I don’t know. I just know I missed it. For me, it was my aha moment that reading and study GOD’s word, the Bible daily is essential to being a Christian.
Over the past week, we have been praying for those with the coronavirus, especially those that are dying. We wonder did they know Jesus? Will they receive a crown? I heard yesterday that online living wills are on the rise in the US and my first thought was “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:20). Many are worried about dying, but Jesus said to us, …”do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)
Coronavirus (“crown” virus) cannot wear the crown in our world. Jesus alone wears the crown, and He reigns supreme!
If you are worried and anxious turn to the LORD. Psalm 27:1 tells us
The Lord is my light and my salvation—
so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
so why should I tremble?
One positive of the coronavirus for me is it has given me more time to spend with Melinda. As I work from home, it allows me to check on her throughout the day. I worry about her. She had chemo last week. Her aphasia is progressing and she has not bounced back from the chemo treatment like she usually does. She is weak but takes great comfort in knowing GOD IS IN CONTROL. We pray that you have GOD’s comfort in your life with all that is going on right now.
Is GOD IN CONTROL of your life? Will you receive a crown in heaven? If you are not sure, then the time is NOW, to surrender your life to Jesus. If you don’t know how to be a Follow of Christ; contact me, a pastor, another Brother or Sister in Christ, we all want you to join us in Heaven and receive your crown.
Dear Jesus, we pray that those in our city, our county, our state, our country, and our world will come to know you throughout this coronavirus epidemic. We pray that they will receive your “Crown of Life” and not worry about a “crown” virus. Jesus, please bless us all!
