Most people recognize the “Miracle on Ice” as the stunning victory of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team. Jim Craig, the team’s phenomenal goalie, became an instant icon. The American flag draped around his shoulders, along with his gold medal, were symbols of his achievement. He considered auctioning these items, reportedly for millions of dollars. While his plans evolved to auction some memorabilia, the initial thought prompts reflection on value.
I’m not criticizing Craig’s decision. I own basketballs signed by the 1976 and 1979 L.A. Lakers, displayed in my office due to their market value. However, if they were worth millions, I would likely auction them too. Imagine the good that could be done for the kingdom of heaven with such proceeds! That potential impact holds far greater value than signed memorabilia.
While we don’t receive gold medals in heaven, the Bible speaks of five different crowns awarded to believers:
Earthly treasure pales in comparison to these heavenly rewards! Yet, even these crowns become secondary to the ultimate purpose: worship of our incredible God. Revelation 4:10b-11 describes the 24 elders (interpreted as the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 disciples of Christ) casting their crowns before the throne, declaring, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
If these iconic saints cast their crowns before God’s throne, it’s safe to assume all who receive them will do the same. It’s a level of worship that’s nearly impossible to visualize, yet something that will take our breath away. Scripture refers to Jesus as the embodiment of God, and Paul describes the “King of kings and Lord of lords as dwelling in unapproachable light” (1 Timothy 6:16).
Imagine Jim Craig and his team on the gold medal platform. They were judged on their performance and rewarded. Now, visualize them being so awed by the presenter that they cast their medals back in reverence! That’s what will occur in heaven. Christ followers will stand before the “judgment seat,” or Bema. We won’t be condemned for our sin, but receive crowns for our earthly deeds. We’ll be in such awe that we’ll cast our crowns before the throne in worship.
If you’ve surrendered your life to Christ, you’ve already passed from death to life (John 5:24) and will be there! And that’s the inspiration behind the band, Casting Crowns!
-Jim
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