Crowns

In chapter one, Bullet is recalling the sound of his sister’s voice singing, “’Will there be any stars, any stars in my crown,’ that voice sang, ‘When at evening the sun goeth down? When I wake with the blest in the mansions of rest, will there be any stars in my crown.’” The lyrics are the chorus of an 1897 hymn written by Eliza E. Hewitt, with music composed by John R. Sweney. In Week 42 of his devotional book, Living Hope for the End of Days, Dr. John Barnett explains that the Biblical crowns are “used as a symbol of victory, authority, and responsibility. On display at the Bema seat will be five great crowns for loyal and trustworthy servants of Christ. To steadfast believers tested by prison and persecution even to the point of death, God will give a crown of life (REVELATION 2:10). A never-fading, never-tarnishing diadem awaits the self-sacrificing pastor-shepherds of the flock (1 PETER 5:2-4). Everyone who ran life’s race with patient endurance and perseverance will receive a crown of righteousness (2 TIMOTHY 4:8). Evangelists and soul winners can eagerly anticipate receiving the crown of rejoicing (1 THESSALONIANS 2:19-20). Finally, all who overcome will be handed a wonderful victor’s crown (1 CORINTHIANS 9:25).”