“And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.” -1 peter 5:4
I like this verse, penned under inspiration, by Simon Peter. The “Great Shepherd” is Jesus, our God (EL). The basic word for God in Hebrew is EL and is an Aleph and Lamda, an Ox head and a Staff, both pointing at strength and authority, which is what Christ Jesus has. We receive a crown which is not a kingly crown but rather a crown (Stephanos) of victory, because we overcome this world and its woes. In the Koine Greek is found the word “Amaranthinon” and is translated “unfading” or “never-ending” depending on the translation. There is a beautiful flowering plant with a form of that name, and perhaps it was used for wreaths in ancient times. We can see that the “crown of never ending glory” is more of a garland wreath akin to the winner of a footrace, in this case the race of life. We run the race with a focus on Christ Jesus.
Pastor Zomok