12-12-11<\/p>\n
Heaven awaits those who believe in their hearts that Jesus is the Son of God, and share the news that He overcame death. That should be enough, more than enough, to encourage sinners whose rebellion against a just and holy God would otherwise condemn us to eternal separation from Him.<\/p>\n
Yet the Bible occasionally talks of \u201ctreasures\u201d in Heaven, and \u201ccrowns.\u201d We already have mansions awaiting us \u2013 \u201cif it were not so,\u201d Jesus asked, \u201cwould I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you ?\u201d \u2013 but treasures? crowns? Will there be a hierarchy in Heaven? If so, that is God\u2019s business, but my guess is that we won\u2019t care. God\u2019s children will want to be gathered shoulder-to-shoulder around the throne, singing Holy, Holy, Holy for eternity.<\/p>\n
But let us think for a moment, as we always should once we are assured of a room in our Father\u2019s house, of this side of Heaven\u2019s line. James 1:12 tells us that \u201cGod blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.\u201d But for some who endure testing and temptation \u2013 and so much more \u2013 in this life, there is also the promise of virtual diamonds in that crown.<\/p>\n
That is to say: like a diamond in the diadem, to use an ancient word for crown. The repeated word is for emphasis, like \u201csacrosanct,\u201d which literally means holy and sanctified besides.<\/p>\n
A crown with diamonds! The promise that awaits the faithful serves as a blessing beforehand. Sweet security, unearned, and Christ besides. Some day we will understand this fully, and rejoice with each other. I\u2019ll look for you around the Heavenly throne. God willing, you\u2019ll be one of those with the diamonds in your crown.<\/p>\n
+ + +<\/p>\n
A beautiful song about this mystery and beautiful promise is highlighted by image-montage by the Beanscot Channel: \u201cThere\u2019ll Be a Diamond in My Crown.\u201d Written by Emmylou Harris, who sings harmony here with Patty Loveless \u2013 two of the most beautiful voices on this side of Heaven\u2019s line. The lyrics are sensitive and encouraging to those who are resisting life\u2019s testing and temptations.<\/p>\n