Stephen started tonight’s sermon with a history question, asking who knew the significance of the date 2 June 1953. This was the date of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation:
Tonight’s sermon was about crowns. When we think about crowns, we might think of Christmas cracker crowns:
or royal crowns…
… or even the crown of thorns mentioned in Matt 27:29:
Stephen spoke about the crown of glory mentioned in 1 Pet 5:4 (‘And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.‘) In ancient times, the winner of races was given a laurel crown, but this would obviously fade with time. On the other hand, the crown Jesus Himself will give us will never fade away. We may not be certain when the Chief Shepherd will appear, but the fact of His appearing is not in doubt for His people.
The people who come to faith through our testimony act as our hope, joy and crown (1 Thess 2:19), but James 1:12 reminds us that perseverance is required before we receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Monarchs reign for a limited period only, but the crown God will give us is eternal (see 1 Cor 9:24-27). Each of us is required to keep going in this race; what is required is our willing participation. God promises a crown not only to one person (as was customary for the winner of a race) but to all who love Him. May we run well in anticipation of the crowns we will receive and then lay before the throne of God who alone is worthy to receive glory and honour and power (see Rev 4:10-11).