Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10 ESV)
A crown can be something that symbolizes royalty, membership in a particular noble family. A crown can be the highest point of something, like the pinnacle of a mountain. A crown can be the best of something: a crowning achievement.
Jesus promises the crown of life to the church in Smyrna, as a reason for them to not be afraid.
What is He promising?
The good results of belonging to Christ take place both eternally in heaven AND right here, right now, right around us. Paul mentions both of these aspect of blessings in I Corinthians 15:19. And of course heaven is heavenly! But God also promises blessings that His people experience before we die.
And the crown of life refers to these blessings.
Jesus promises to give the best of life to those who have faith.
I know that sounds like a prosperity gospel sort of childish hope. But it really is not.
He is not promising fast cars, or tasty steaks, or silky sheets, or manicured lawns, or the best pets EVER. He is using HIS definition of the best life. He is guaranteeing again that He will be giving His people what is best for us. A blessed life. A life that when it is done, with heaven’s eyes, we will look back and understand, “ahhh… yes, that WAS the best for me! Thank You, Jesus!”
Have faith in the face of fearful things (even persecution!) because Jesus is giving you the best of all possible lives. He gives THAT crown to the faithful.
Believe that Jesus is already working in every moment of the history of the world for the BEST for His people, even when it is hard to understand, because Jesus is treating you as you are… a member of His royal family! He gives THAT crown to believers.
Trust that the darkest of days are somehow the best of days, because Jesus gives us mountaintop experiences even in the valley of the shadow of death. He defines altitude. He gives THAT crown to believers.
Fear not, because you have a crown.