There’s good reason to go empty handed

For those believers whose souls are still stirred by the traditional hymns of yesteryear, “Must I Go Empty Handed?” is certainly very near and dear to our hearts in these days.

Written in 1877, it was inspired by the words of a young man who lay dying on his death bed. Though he had only been a Christian for about a month, he was regretful of his apparently fruitless life and uttered, “I am not afraid to die; Jesus saves me now, but must I go empty-handed?”

I think it safe to say that because of these words, and the hymn they inspired, he went on to glory with far more than empty hands. But the question is a poignant one, is it not? You know, much of the difference between much of modern Christian music and the hymns Christianity once held dear is the depth of their message. There certainly is little emphasis nowadays on provoking the soul to assess its current state and future standing before our Lord Jesus Christ.

But the days are evil, even as Jesus said they would be prior to his return, and as Christianity eagerly awaits the sound of the trumpet and her gathering to meet Christ in the air, we would do well to consider whether we go empty-handed.

When I think of this, I think of the crowns we shall cast at his feet. While the details are too lengthy for here, the casting of crowns is found in Revelation 4:10 with the mention of the 24 elders. We know this is referring to the church because the number 24 is a reference to the Old Testament priesthood, which was divided into 24 courses by King David.

While the Aaronic priesthood is no longer in force because of the once and for all sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary, the Apostle Peter tells us that a New Testament priesthood has arisen in its place, described as a royal priesthood in I Peter 2. This priesthood belongs to the New Testament church, yet ours is not a priesthood that stands between God and his people, but one that stands between the Savior and those lost in need of salvation. It is the priesthood of believers, and ours is the ministry of reconciliation, pointing the lost to Jesus Christ, who alone can set them free.

Where the crowns come in is found in Revelation 1, where John tells us that Jesus has made us kings and priests unto God — priests in this life and kings in that which is to come; priests as we minister salvation to a lost and dying world, and kings as a matter of reward in the kingdom that is to come, according to how we have performed here as priests.

Yes, that’s correct — while salvation is free, crowns are earned. And what’s more, crowns earned can be lost, according to Revelation 3.

The Bible identifies five crowns available for believers. The first is called the Incorruptible Crown and is found in I Corinthians 9. This crown is the reward of those who gain victory over their own flesh. While many assume the devil to be the Christian’s greatest enemy, the truth is that oftentimes our own flesh is the greatest, and seeks gratification through many avenues. Victory comes when the flesh is kept under the subjection of God’s spirit.

The second crown is called the Crown of Rejoicing and is found in I Thessalonians 2. This crown directly relates our priesthood as it is concerned with the souls of those we have influenced for Jesus Christ.

The third crown is called the Crown of Righteousness and is found in II Timothy 4, where Paul speaks of those who love Christ’s appearing. For all of you who are tempted to shout hallelujahs because you just know the Lord is coming soon, let me ask, are you living for the Lord? There is no way you can convince me of your love for his appearing if you are not ready for his appearing.

The fourth crown is called the Crown of Life. Found in James 1 and Revelation 2, this crown is for those who endure temptation — temptation so severe that it is linked with death and is rightly termed the martyr’s crown. Most modern Americans will be nowhere near this one.

The fifth and final crown is the Shepherd’s Crown, I Peter 5. Though this crown is reserved for those who have had the oversight of churches, it is not an automatic crown “just because” the preacher showed up for work. The criteria for this is that it is for those who were not in it for the money (religion is big business) and those who were good examples of Christianity for their flock.

O Christian, I do hope that you won’t be going empty-handed.

Ron Hamman is pastor of Independent Baptist Church of Wasilla. Contact him at 357-4229 or ron.hamman@gci.net.