As you may realize, “corona”—as in coronavirus—is the Spanish word for “crown.” Under an electron microscope, each virus particle has a halo or corona. Set loose in the world, the virus tries to behave like a crowned ruler, taking command of cells and overpowering people with illness that could lead to death.
That corona seems so dominant and so powerful. That corona is driving people indoors, creating global chaos and wreaking economic havoc. What a powerful germ! We feel dominated by that microscopic corona.
But Jesus says in Revelation 2:10, “Sé fiel hasta la muerte, y yo te daré la corona de la vida”—“Be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
La corona de la vida—the crown of life. What is the true corona? What corona prevails when all is said and done? La corona de la vida—the crown of life—given by the risen Savior Jesus. By His grace, through His victory over sin and death, Jesus gives you the true corona—not a fear-causing virus or anything else that takes life from you. Jesus gives the crown of life—life that lasts forever, certainty that withstands whatever our fallen world can throw at you, and grace that overflows from your life so you can bless your people in your life and share the hope you’ve been given.
In Greek, the word for “crown” used in Revelation 2:10 is “stephanos.” The word refers to an athlete’s wreath, the victor’s crown after an athletic contest. It is an appropriate word for the fierce spiritual warfare of this world. Your battle is not against flesh and blood—not against virions or empty toilet paper shelves or anxiety or loneliness or dramatic change. Your battle is “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). But because Jesus wore the crown of thorns, yet rose from the dead, those sinister forces of satan have been vanquished.
Don’t be surprised, however, that the evil one tries to fake you out, demoralize you, divide you from others and create doubt and despair in you through fake coronas.
Revelation 12:3 introduces the dragon—the one “who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world” (Revelation 12:9). He is wearing seven diadems on his seven heads. “Diadem” is another word for “crown.” It is the kind of crown kings and queens wear. The devil and his minions don royal crowns in an attempt to make you believe they are in control, that they are calling the shots in the world and in your life. But it’s all a lie. You know it’s a lie because the real crown-wearer appears in Revelation 19.
Instead of a crown-wearer who destroys and creates havoc, Revelation 19 reveals the crown-wearer who gathers His people for a wedding feast—a party, a festive celebration that embraces you with love and joy. Who is this crowned one? Revelation 19 describe Him:
“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousnes
s he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God” (Revelation 19:11–13).
That’s Jesus, the One who is Faithful and True, the Word of God, the One whose blood was shed but now lives! He wears many diadems. He is the real crown-wearer who wears the true crown, la verdadera corona!
Dear friends, don’t let a fake corona fill you with fear, hopelessness and sadness. See the real crown-wearer who still reigns and is in control. See Him give you the crown of life by grace through faith. Receive real life rooted in God’s living Word, filled with the gift of prayer, and shaped to show love to your family, friends and neighbors—especially during these uncertain times. La verdadera corona—the TRUE crown—is yours through Jesus.
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