Revelation 4:9–11

Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

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Regardless of their identity, the role of the twenty-four elders as worshipers provided an exemplary model for Christ-focused adoration. Their golden crowns (Revelation 4:4) are “cast” down before the throne, symbolizing the removal of personal “glory and honor and power” and redirection toward the Creator on the throne. Even the golden metal in their crowns was fashioned by the Lord who created “all things,” indicating that even these symbols of royalty were created for God’s “pleasure.”

In ancient Roman culture, crowns were not reserved for the elites or the emperor. Instead, like military medals today, crowns had different meanings and ways they could be earned. The corona triumphalis was earned by a general winning a battle, the corona obsidionalis was earned through a heroic act, and the corona civica was reserved for soldiers who saved the life of a comrade during battle.

Throughout the Bible crowns are promised to believers. A few of these include the crown of salvation (Psalm 149:4), the crown of joy (Philippians 4:1), and the crown of life (James 1:12). While these crowns are wonderful promises, the greatest rewards that await us are the privilege of seeing Jesus face-to-face and worshiping Him for eternity. Let’s begin the eternity of worship today by seeing worship as a privilege instead of a chore.

That concludes our devotional for today. Let us finish with a word of prayer. 

WORD OF PRAYER

Lord, I thank You for the privilege of worship and the example set by the twenty-four elders, who cast their crowns before Your throne in ultimate adoration. Help me to live with that same spirit of humility and reverence, recognizing that all I am and all I have comes from You. You are worthy to receive all glory, honor, and power. Teach me to hold all earthly rewards loosely and to cherish the eternal joy of worshiping You. 

In the name of Jesus, amen.