A Martyr's Crown

They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. (Revelation 12:11)

I've been recently reading a biography of the Lady Jane Grey (hence the quotes in the previous post). LJG was brought up to be a Protestant, and a Protestant leader. And she was, even when she died as a teenager (16-17 years old.)

She knew that she had a very high social position, and that she would be leading by example, and that what she did mattered. She also knew that in order to bring forth fruit a grain of wheat needs to be willing to die. And so she was willing to become queen, and then to be executed without recanting her beliefs, when doing so would have saved her life.

LJG sought the martyrs crown. She sought it in life, long before she was going to die. She was determined to live a life that glorified Christ and exalted Him, and Him alone.

Defy the world, deny the devil, and despise the flesh, and delight yourself only in the Lord. (Words of Lady Jane Grey.)

In heaven, she has a martyr's crown - the crown that she wanted, the only crown truly worth having.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)

Am I willing to truly lay down my life daily? To give my all - my life if need be, and certainly my self daily - in order to fully glorify Christ?

I pray so!

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. (Revelation 2:10)