The five crowns (2) - All The Word for Today Daily Devotionals for 2025

‘For what is our … crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?’ 1 Thessalonians 2:19 NKJV

The second crown mentioned in Scripture is the crown of rejoicing. It’s given to those who take part in leading others to Christ. The background for this passage is written about in Acts 17, which tells the story of Paul arriving in the city of Thessalonica. He went into the synagogue, ‘… and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining … that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ’” (Acts 17:2-3 NKJV). Some of his hearers were converted, including a great multitude of devout Greeks and a number of prominent women. As a result, a church was built there. Writing to them later, Paul said that they would be his crown when Christ returned.

We should all follow American evangelist Bill Bright’s example; he was one of the best soul winners of the twentieth century. And he once disclosed his secret: “Although I have shared Christ personally with many thousands of people through the years, I am a rather reserved person, and I do not always find it easy to witness. But I have made this my practice, and I urge you to do the same: Assume that whenever you are alone with another person for more than a few moments, you are there by divine appointment to explain … the love and forgiveness he or she can know through faith in Jesus Christ.” When was the last time you shared the Gospel with someone? Whenever you do, the Lord is fitting you for a crown of rejoicing.

Soulfood: Judg 4-6 Matt 16:1-12 Ps 119:57-64 Pro 17:22