CROWNS OF CHRIST

Jack Davis

“I (John) saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war, His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns…” Rev. 19:11-16.

“MANY CROWNS:” Our dear Lord has gained many crowns and has many yet to gain. He also has many crowns to give. he is the captain of our salvation, Chief Judge, commander in Chief, triumphant General, and preeminent King - I Tim. 1:17. 6:15-16. Although not acknowledged and recognized by all now, He will be soon. He must reign! I Cor. 15:24-28. Crowns tell us of authority, the right to reign with heavenly and earthly dominion – Phil. 2:9-11. Crowns speak of being victorious with victory upon victory. Oh, what battles He has won. In Old Testament times, when one king defeated another, they would take the crown from the head of the defeated king and place it upon the head of the triumphant king – II Sam. 12:29-30. He is to be King over all those being kings and Lord above all those being lords. Our High Priest ever liveth, and makes intercession for even those that he is now developing as kings and priests unto God. His wife, His queen (the rib company of His body) will be His crowning glory – Prov. 12:4. She will have found favor  in His sight, for He has long since been King on the throne of her heart. Do you fit? Will you fill a place in such a company? He, in all things will be preeminent.

THE KING’S CONVEYANCE: “I saw in the night vision, and behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages should serve him: His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away…that shall not be destroyed” – Dan. 7:13-14. Daniel sees Jesus (the Ancient of days), with the clouds of heaven, and they bring Him. Then we view His coronation. It seems that the saints of God, especially full overcomers will have a special place in crowning Him. Those most aware of His right to reign, for they have been honoring Him during their earthly sojourn. I believe those most submissive to Him today, will be most vocal at his coronation tomorrow.

THE WISE MEN: “When Jesus was born…there came wise man from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews?…and are come to worship him” – Mt. 2:1,2. It seems they offered him a Jewish crown. Wise men today seek Him, and gratefully shower Him with gifts of love, in whole hearted worship. Any and every king in his won right would be wise to abdicate any throne in honor and worship of the ultimate King of glory – Psa. 24:1-10. How marvelously those wise men of that time sensed the Christ child’s destiny to reign. So where is he today for us? Thank God, he is found in more than history. He is not still in the cradle, He is not yet on the cross, or in the tomb. Glory to God, He overcame and has sit down with His Father in His throne – Rev. 3:21. We wisely acknowledge Him as Lord and King in our homes, and in our hearts. In Isaiah 9:6-7 we read of the wonderful child that was born, of whom the angels said “glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” We will praise God forever for the precious Son that was given, even the Father’s unspeakable gift. Then we are moved with the greatest awe when we realize that the government will be on His shoulders. The one who humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross.

OFFERED A JADED CROWN: Mt. 4:8-9, “Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” Here was a usurper offering Jesus the crown without the cross. Satan suggested an easier route to the throne, but He didn’t disclose what a miserable kingdom he would take over, had it not been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Jesus is destined to lead in spiritual worship a kingdom of kings and priest unto God our Father. Thank God, Jesus put Satan to flight with the Spirit’s sword, “It is written.” But very soon it will become evident that there is a man who will have accepted the offer of the god of this world – Rev. 13:2-4, but his reign will be short lived. Jesus will remove all false claimant to the throne – II Thess. 2:4-9.

HIS FRIENDS & CLOSE ASSOCIATES: Jn. 6:14-15, “Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. When Jesus perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, departed again into a mountain himself alone.” Although they came with good intentions and shortsighted focus, or possibly ulterior motives, Jesus’ being crowned had to be done God’s way and in His time. They didn’t fully know Him or all that He was about, or destined for.

THE CROWN WE GAVE HIM: Jn. 19:5, “Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!” The whole fallen sinful human race, gave him this crown of suffering, sorrow, and disgrace. In every test, trial, temptation, contest, or conflict; He was always the king in every sense of the world. Hallelujah, He has come forth wearing the crown. At Galilee He walked its shores, rebuked the winds, calmed the waves, made the lame to walk, the dumb to talk and caused the blind to see. At Gethsemane, He asked the Father: “Let this cup pass from me,” but won the victory, saying “Not my will but thine be done.” Oh, what a triumphant Son. There at Gabbatha, “the pavement,” even the judgment  seat of man, He was proven to be God’s spotless lamb. Pilate was made to say repeatedly “I find no fault in Him.” On, to Galgotha we hear Him say, triumphantly, “It is finished,” after all He had suffered there. He is soon to be acknowledged as the King of Glory!

CROWNS HE WILL GIVE: He has invited us to go after and claim the crowns He has paid for and fully provided that we win. His precious Word teaches us just what it takes to make up winners. He makes us know that He offers those which are incorruptible – I  Cor. 9:24-27. He also gives us the rules involved, if ignored or broken will cause disqualification – II Tim. 2:5. There are offered crowns of righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge will give, unto those that fall deeply in love with Him enough to be loving His appearing. This love has His people living in the light, running by His might – II Tim. 4:8. He has promised crowns of life to those that love Him enough to endure temptation and to be faithful unto death – James 1:12, Rev. 2:10. He has crowns of glory for His faithful under shepherds – I Pet. 5. As we develop in the Lord, He gives each some measure of undershepherd responsibility wherein we are enabled to nourish another. Our dear Lord crowns His own with loving kindness and tender mercies, so that He can make to reign, in life, those fully trusting in Him. Shall we not be soberly impressed with what the crown winners are seen doing with their crowns in that eternal state? They are seen worshiping Him with theirs at His feet. He is seen wearing His many crowns, and the full overcomers are in absolute agreement. Their joyous song, “Thou art worthy!”