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Hold On To Your Crown!
“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have,
so that no one will take your crown.” Revelation 2:11
I enjoy watching the Olympic medal winners celebrate their victories partly because of the achievement itself - and all of the hard work that it took to win - and partly because of the great flood of emotions they demonstrate when they win: the shouting, crying, laughing, falling down, jumping, hugging, running, astonished facial expressions, and so on. Their victory and joy pulls me, emotionally, into their celebration, especially if they are compatriots. Medaling at the Olympics opens doors for the victor that often translates into golden opportunities and entitlements.
At the same time, it is emotionally wrenching to watch persons who were expected to win and medal lose because of a slip, a fall, a slight miss in timing, a minor technical mistake, a disqualification, or an unfavorable judgment. Take for example the Dutchman Sven Kramer, a record holder, and an overwhelming favorite to win the 10,000 meter men’s speed skating race. Kramer madean amateurish and very costly mistake. He failed to switch lanes just past the midway point of the race and was disqualified. He went home to Netherland minus his second gold medal because he skated in the wrong lane on the instructional error of his coach and against his own better judgment. While the three other speed skaters celebrated their victory on the winner’s podium, Kramer sat on the infield bench, inconsolable, wondering what went wrong.
It is doubtful that any of us will ever compete at the Olympic level, much less take a place on the winner’s podium to receive a bronze, silver, or gold medal. Nevertheless, Jesus tells us that when we receive him as Lord and Savior, we receive a wreath or crown of righteousness as a gift by God’s grace. The Holy Spirit coaches us and keeps us in the lane of righteousness throughout our life in Christ. Our victory in Christ and crown opens wide doors of opportunity to experience the fullness of God’s love, His glory and splendor, and infinite entitlements; now and for eternity. No one can shut this door. We hold on to our crown by keeping God’s word, not denying the name of Jesus, and patiently enduring and finishing our race on earth.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Ruben Saenz, Jr.