To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again … Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death. (Rev. 2:8-11)

Smyrna was the afflicted and impoverished church that was about to undergo even more persecution. Some, Jesus confided, would even be put in prison for their faith. In the midst of that Jesus gave a promise for those who remained aligned with the Father and whose faith endured. The promise was the crown of life. The crown here is the victor’s crown. Paul often compared the Christian life to a race and called on the followers of Jesus to not only finish the race but to run to win. For those who won by being faithful, a great reward awaited them at the end of the race.

For those who remain faithful, the King of Kings will grant a victor’s crown. A reward comes with the crown and that reward is eternal life. For those who receive such a crown, the second death or eternal punishment offers no threat. For those who know the Lord, judgment day will be a day when honors are bestowed and rewards given. There will be no threat of hell. The crown signifies favor, status, honor, and a hero’s welcome.

The promises of God for those who stay in step with the Father’s heart are amazing and eternal. What confounds me is how quickly and easily we dismiss those promises and rewards for earthly rewards and pleasures that can’t compare. How many of us are willing to trade an incomparable birthright for a bowl of stew like Esau? How many believers trade the promises of heaven for an affair than can never lead anywhere, for an addiction that only takes us deeper into darkness, or for material gain and fame that, like cotton candy, only satisfies for a moment and then disappears. Salvation comes by grace but reward is based on our fruit and our faithfulness and much of heaven’s reward is available now.

Even in this life we can experience honor, friendship with the Kings, power and authority in the Spirit, revelation, fellowship with the Father, joy, peace, significance, purpose, angelic encounters, spiritual family, provision, miracles, supernatural gifts, the Father’s approval, influence, love, forgiveness, and life to the full. All these things are available now to those who desire them, seek them and stay aligned with the purposes of God. Even now we can receive those form the hand of our Father in Heaven.

What can the world offer that surpasses these heavenly treasures? And yet, believers so easily lay these promises aside to chase after the things of the world and the deceptions of Satan. The devil promises to provide all the things our hearts desire and promises that we can have them without cost and without consequence. Just as he told Eve that she wouldn’t actually die he tells us that our decisions to leave the path of God will truly take us where we want to go. But scripture is clear. “God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life” (Gal.6:7-8).

As we please the flesh, destruction is planted. Eventually we must reap a harvest regardless of what Satan tells us. However, the promise of life that Jesus offers is much greater. A crown of victory and the honor that goes with it is assured because God cannot be mocked. I fully believe that we may experience that crown even in this life as we experience victory after victory over the enemy. But I also believe that Jesus will personally place one on your head as you enter into his presence if you stay faithful to the end. No athlete becomes great without suffering. I’m pretty sure that is true for those who follow Jesus as well. But when we suffer and endure, the crown waiting just on the other side of the finish line will make it all worthwhile. Do not give up or give in. Jesus who ran the race before us is waiting to welcome you