Laying down our crowns
How often in your life have you worn a crown yourself? Perhaps on Epiphany, at a child's birthday party, or during a theatrical performance. How did that feel? This feeling doesn't have to be tied to a literal crown. It can just as easily be associated with a promotion, an award, a special achievement, or even pride. Many of us wear crowns metaphorically and secretly wish they were visible crowns so that others would notice them.
Olympians compete for medals. In the ancient games, at the Olympiad in Greece, they also wore crowns of olive branches to display their honor. We Christians run for a crown that does not perish: “Do you not know that in a stadium all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to get it. Everyone who competes goes into strict training; they so that they may receive a crown that will not last, but we so that we may receive one that will last forever.” (1. Kor 9,24-25).
The crowns we win throughout our lives can shine and bring us joy. Nevertheless, they remain fleeting and lose their luster over time. The Bible shows that there are other kinds of crowns in life: “Gray hair is a crown of honor; it is found in the way of righteousness.” (Spr 16,31).
Grandchildren are described as the crown of their grandparents: "The crown of the elderly are their grandchildren, and the honor of children is their fathers." (Spr 17,6).
Paul wrote to Timothy: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2. Tim 4,7-8).
James says that those who love God will receive a crown of life: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (Jak 1,12).
Jesus wore a crown of thorns on his way to the cross. Today he is exalted and sits on the throne. He wears a crown of gold. Therefore, the twenty-four elders lay down their crowns and worship him: “And when all living beings give glory and honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever, and lay their crowns down before the throne and say: ‘Lord our God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.’” (Offb 4,9-11).
As we reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus this month, we join the 24 elders in laying our crowns at the feet of our Savior Jesus Christ.
by Tammy Tkach
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