SATURDAY November 14, 2026

The Crown of Glory

...and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
1 Peter 5:4

Faithful pastors who are in a position of oversight––watching over the flock of God––will be rewarded with a special crown given to them by the Chief Shepherd Himself. This crown is called the crown of glory. It is an enduring crown that will not fade away.

Did you know that there are actually five crowns? They will be given as rewards to individual believers when they stand before the judgment seat of Christ. In 1 Thessalonians 2:19, we find a reference to the 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?

Another crown that will be given is called the crown of righteousness. It is mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:8, which states: 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 love His appearing. Those who are looking for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ are going to get this crown.

The crown of life is found in James 1:12: 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 that love Him. Christians who have endured life’s trials and sufferings are promised the crown of life.

Have you heard of the imperishable crown? It is found in 1 Corinthians 9:25: And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. When we focus our eyes on eternity and do all we can for the Lord out of pure motives––our love for Him––we shall be rewarded in heaven with an imperishable crown.  I encourage you in your position of leadership in the church, be faithful to the call God has on your life.

The only crown Jesus ever wore on earth was a crown of thorns.
~Elisabeth Elliot~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!