Laying Down Our Crowns
A Devotion for a Congregational Leadership Meeting
Scripture Reading: Revelation 4:9–11
“ 9And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” ”
In the name of the Father and of the ☩ Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
We have gathered today to discuss the matters, concerns, and direction of this congregation. As we do so, we may not always agree on every issue, and that is okay. We each bring different perspectives, experiences, skills, and talents to the table. God has entrusted each of us with responsibilities to help lead and serve this congregation.
In our reading from Revelation, the Apostle John gives us a glimpse of heaven. He sees God seated upon His throne, surrounded by twenty-four elders wearing crowns. These crowns represent honor, authority, and position. In the eyes of the world, those who wear crowns are leaders—people who make decisions, exercise authority, and hold positions of responsibility.
In some respects, we might think of ourselves as wearing similar crowns. We have been entrusted with positions of leadership and responsibility within this congregation. But we must remember that we are not the owners of this Church. We are its servants and stewards. This is Christ's Church, not ours.
John describes the twenty-four elders bowing down before the One seated on the throne and cast their crowns before Him. They do not proclaim, "Worthy are we to lead!" They do not point to their own accomplishments, authority, or position. Instead, they declare:
"Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."
The elders recognize that all glory, honor, and power belong to God. Whatever honor or authority they (we) possess is nothing compared to the One who sits upon the throne.
That is an important reminder for us as leaders in this congregation. We, too, must be willing to bow before God and lay down our crowns. Our positions, responsibilities, skills, and talents are not given to us to seek recognition or exercise authority for our own benefit. They are gifts entrusted to us to be used in service to Christ and His Church.
In everything we discuss and every decision we make, our focus should not be on ourselves, our preferences, or our accomplishments. Rather, our focus should be on Christ and His will for His Church. We should seek to point others to Him, proclaiming with the elders:
"Worthy are you, our Lord and God!"
After all, it is Christ who first demonstrated what true leadership and service look like. As John reminds us:
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
Christ did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life for us. As those who have received His grace and mercy, we are called to follow His example in serving one another.
So, as we begin this meeting, let us look to Christ for wisdom and guidance. Let us remember that this is His Church, and we are His stewards. May we use the skills, talents, and experiences God has given us, not to build up ourselves, but to serve Christ and one another through the good works He has prepared for us.
And whatever we do, may all glory, honor, and praise be given to Him.
Amen.
Hymn: "Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us" – LSB 851