TODAY IN THE WORD
If there's one object that uniquely identifies Queen Elizabeth II, it's her stunning crown. Originally created for George IV, this crown, known as the Diamond Diadem, is set with 1,333 diamonds, including a four-carat pale yellow stone in the front. Around its base are 169 pearls. Depictions of Queen Elizabeth II wearing this crown are found on British stamps.

It's easy to see why brilliant royal crowns such as this are associated with glory and honor. Yet, in today's passage, Paul speaks of a much different crown, one that will never be displayed in a museum or worn in coronation ceremony, but one that is far more glorious and brilliant. Employing yet another metaphor to describe his relationship with the Thessalonians, Paul likens their relationship with Jesus to a crown that will bring future glory in the presence of Christ's return.

The Greek word used for crown here depicts the crowns given in athletic competitions, such as laurel wreaths. Unlike those fading crowns, however, the true reward that awaits believers comes from investing in the lives of others. Paul expresses this same idea in today's verse from 2 Corinthians; it's not letters of commendation based on education or business accomplishments, but rather the lives of individuals whom we've impacted for Christ Jesus, that will count in the end. This isn't boasting, but rather the deep joy of a life spent serving the Lord, the true impact of which is only visible when He returns in glory.

Seeing how greatly Paul loved these believers helps to understand the great pain that he must have felt when he was forced to leave them. Notice the strong image of being torn away that he uses in verse 17. The switch from the first person plural (“we”) to singular (“I”) further underscores the pain that Paul felt. These verses also show that the real force behind opposition to the gospel is not human persecutors, but rather Satan himself.

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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We may never have a royal crown, but we might long for other crowns, such as career advancement, a big house, social status, or athletic glory. But today's passage presents a far more precious crown. The beauty of this crown is its dependence upon the Lord. Often we have no idea how we're being used by Him in others' lives. What freedom this gives us! We're free to minister, knowing that pouring ourselves into others' lives will bring Him glory when He returns.

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