Crown of Glory:
“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” 1 Peter 5:2-4 (NKJV)
When you read the above verses immediately you think this is only for bishops and pastors and do not bother to pursue. But as disciples or followers of Jesus, we are given a bunch of souls to win for the kingdom of God and also are given responsibility to shepherd them. You might ask where are they? Look around, there are souls to be saved in your own family, friends and colleagues whom you contact everyday of your life. Are you examples of Christ Jesus for them? Jesus, the Chief Shepard is coming soon to give away the Crowns of Glory to those who deserve.
Crown of Life:
”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 (NKJV)
Those who love the Lord Jesus should be obeying and doing all His commandments to resist the temptations the evil one throws at, as he did to Jesus Himself. And if you overcome, the Lord has promised to give you the Crown of Life. This is like a battle you fight every moment by how you act and react to the situations you are facing in your lives. Are you succumbing to the temptations or overcoming victoriously? This really matters to our Lord Jesus. Instead of giving excuses when it comes to doing, work hard to receive the Crown. Hope this motivates some of you to resist the devil who is using people to do his will.
Crown of Righteousness:
“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8 (NKJV)
This crown is for those who are awaiting the second coming of Jesus Christ and are ready to go away with Him in Rapture. Instead of debating and arguing about such topics, be ready to meet the Lord Jesus in the air; whether you will be alive and going or dead and raising up from the grave; try your best to receive the Crown of Righteousness, which Paul is rest assured that he will receive, because he knew for sure he tried his level best.
Crown of Rejoicing:
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?” 1 Thessalonians 2:19 (NKJV)
It will be like receiving the crown of rejoicing, if I can participate in the Rapture and the second coming of Jesus. Hallelujah! Glory to God!
Crown of Gold:
“Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.” Revelation 4:4 (NKJV)
“the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honour and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”” Revelation 4:10-11 (NKJV)
Apart from above 4 crowns, this Crown of Gold really belongs to the special people selected as elders to sit on the thrones in the Throne Room where God is seated. They say, 12 elders of the Old Testaments whom we do not know, maybe 1 from every tribe and 12 disciples of the New Testaments whom we know. But whomever they are they cast their Crowns of Gold at the feet of God, who is on His throne to worship Him. That is why when we reach heaven we should have one of the above crowns to cast at the feet of God to worship Him falling down before Him. Nothing else we can take from here to Heaven to present before our God.