June 8: Awards Day

Today is the last day of school for my eighth grade son. They have finished their final exams, the test books have been returned and the lockers cleared out. All that remains is Awards Day. It is quite the celebration. They try to keep things high-spirited and moving as they recognize those with perfect attendance, academic and athletic excellence and announce scholarships being awarded to the graduating seniors.

God will have an Awards Day one day. “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8)

Now that’s an award—a crown. A prize reserved for kings. For those who long for His appearing and keep the faith. What shall the faithful do with such an award? Is there a trophy case in which to display it? Wear it with pride daily?

Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." (Revelation 4:9-11)

Crown Him with many crowns, the Lamb upon the throne.
Hark! How the heavenly anthem drowns all music but it’s own.
Awake, my soul and sing for Him who died for me,
And hail Him as thy matchless King throughout eternity!

All hail the power of Jesus’ name, let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem and crown Him Lord of all.
Bring forth the royal diadem and crown Him Lord of all.

~ Father, help me to always be in the habit of casting my crowns at your feet—giving credit where credit is due, for I am nothing were it not for You. Amen.