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Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable (1 Corinthians 9:25).
On the medal stand, three world-class athletes receive a prize that pays homage to their natural abilities and even more so to the years of training they endured. Every meal was eaten for the prize. Every drink was for the prize. Every step in the training regimen and a significant part of their lives off the field or court was also for the prize.
Nobody remembers who placed the wreath or hung the medal. All eyes are on the prize and the prize winners. The one thing that had to be certain was that the “crowner” had the authority to certify the win.
But this isn’t about athletic wreaths and medals, or fatherly nods from commissioners or chairmen. It’s about the Giver of imperishable crowns.
Today I celebrate my Crown-Giver, who, in showing off the splendor of his creation, crowns us with glory and majesty.
He adorns my life with covenant love and compassion. Translation – He has the authority and power to make me feel completely understood and cause me to rest in His faithfulness to the love commitment He made to me.
My Crown-Giver places me on a stand of righteousness – the foundation of which is His grace and sacrifice, not anything of my own.
He breathes life – eternal and abundant life – into me during my times of testing so that as I endure, my Crown-Giver gives and gives and gives again.
He promises me a day – the Day of His Appearing – when He comes to impart to me His beautiful glory. Not a glory that exalts my flesh or separates me from others, but a glory that we all share in His name and likeness.
Is there any wonder that the 24 elders cast their crowns before Him? Could it yet be a mystery why He is worthy of a life of utter abandon? A life that prizes the prize? And even more important… the Prize Giver?