During my devotion time I came across Revelation 2:10 which says, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you a crown of life.” The cross-reference for this verse is James 1:12. It says, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
When I read the words “faithful until death”, my thoughts went to the men, women, and children around the world who are persecuted for their faith, some even martyred. Jesus forewarns His followers in Matthew 24:9, “Then they will hand you over to be persecuted and will kill you. And you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.” In John 15:27, Jesus said, “A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.”
None of us will escape death; we all have an appointed time to die. The good news is, born-again believers do not have to fear death regardless of how it comes. Eternal life in heaven with Jesus is promised at salvation. I initially thought “crown of life” was referring to eternal life, but after doing some research here’s what I found.
The Greek word for crown is “stephanos” which in English can mean “reward.” So the word crown used in Revelation 2:10 and James 1:12 is referring to a reward given by King Jesus to Christians who have remained faithful until death, while enduring temptations, tribulation, and persecution. They refused to bow down to Satan, and stood against him by maintaining their faith in Jesus Christ. Can you imagine the expression on their faces as they receive this crown of life from Jesus as a reward for their dedication and faithfulness to Him?
Those being persecuted around the world for their faith need our prayers. We can be intercessors on their behalf, asking the Lord to keep them in His care. It’s hard to contemplate what persecuted Christians endure, but we must be prepared should it come our way. Satan knows his days are short and he’s doing his upmost to prevent Christians from following and serving Jesus Christ, their Lord and Savior.
We need to ask ourselves this question. Will Jesus have a crown of life set aside for us as a reward for being faithful until death in our service to Him?