An Everlasting Hat
Scripture Reading — Revelation 2:8-10
"Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life." Revelation 2:10
In the African American community where I grew up, Sunday was the only day we could dress up. I loved to see the older women of the church sport their church hats. Most African American women looked forward to going to church with their Sunday hats. Poet and author Maya Angelou describes the hat ritual of church ladies: "She dresses in the finest Sunday clothes she owns, layers her face with cosmetics and sprays herself with a wonderful perfume, and then she puts on The Hat." The women considered wearing their hats as putting on their best for Master Jesus.
Is there a hat that exceeds the best we can wear for Sunday worship? There is. But how do we obtain such a fine headpiece? According to Jesus' words to the church at Smyrna, standing up for the Lord even to the point of losing our life will result in a crown of life. These words encouraged the early church to persevere and not buckle under affliction and persecution. Jesus called the church to look at life through the lens of eternity. And he will not disappoint us when we stand up for him in the world's arena.
Jesus has a crown ready for all who keep fighting the good fight. "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also me," he said (John 14:1). Jesus has a glorious hat waiting for you. Are you ready to receive it?
<p>I believe Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Even though I may suffer and be called to die for his sake, through faith in him I will live again. </p><p>To God be the glory! Amen!</p>
About the author — Reginald Smith
Dr. Reginald Smith is senior pastor at Roosevelt Park Community Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he has served for seventeen years. He has also served as a pastor in Paterson, New Jersey. He and his wife, Sharon, have three daughters, Janelle, Katrina, and Mariah.
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