Daily Jewel

by pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK

“An Invitation to a Coronation!”

“Blessings crown the head of the righteous….”– Proverbs 10:6 (NIV)

As I read this verse I felt the best thing to do in understanding its meaning was to do a background on “crowns.” This is what I discovered. A crown was an emblem of power and legitimacy and a symbol of authority upon monarchs and rulers throughout history. The crown is a valued and ornamented headgear worn by rulers especially when appearing in public or in their official role as king or queen. Ancient heads of state surrounded themselves with the optics of glory beginning with the coronation ceremony when they were crowned and seated upon a throne indicating their authority, power and importance to the audience they ruled and intimidated into submission.
The predecessor to the crown was the browband called the diadem, which had been worn by the Ancient Persian Emperors, and then adopted by Constantine I, and was worn by all subsequent rulers of the later Roman Empire.
Numerous crowns of various forms were used in ancient times, such as the White Crown, Red Crown, combined Pschent Crown (ancient Egypt) and the subsequent Blue Crown of Pharaonic Egypt. The corona radiata, the "radiant crown" known best on the Statue of Liberty, and perhaps worn on the ancient Greek statue of the Titan Helios and then worn by Roman emperors prior to the Roman Empire’s conversion to Christianity.
Crowns are often (though not always) made of gold and contain items of cultural value such as jewels and precious stones. Since we just concluded the Olympics it is interesting to note that the ancient Greek Olympic victor might wear a simple wreath, but the meaning is still one of great accomplishment and personal glory. (bible-history.com & ancienthistory.com) I see three things a crown represents: Royalty, Authority, and Honor.
Whatever earthly glory a crown might represent, the Scripture reminds us that it is temporary and fading. The twenty-four elders in Revelation 4:10 cast down their crowns at the feet of God acknowledging that He alone is the true King and the symbols of their own glory must be humbly submitted to God’s honor and glory.

“And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.” – Esther 8:15

Xerxes recognized Mordecai for saving his life but for his dedicated service to the kingdom. He gave him the “royal” treatment! As “children of the king” we too are considered royalty which means we have responsibilities that come with being “royalty.”

“Then Jehoiada and his sons brought out Joash, the king's son, placed the crown on his head, and presented him with a copy of God's laws. They anointed him and proclaimed him king, and everyone shouted, "Long live the king!" – 2nd Chronicles 23:11

By placing the “Law of God” in his hands, Joash was given God’s authority to rule the land. Jesus said that all authority in heaven was given to Him and on the day of His return to heaven He transferred that authority to His disciples. (Matthew 28) Are we using that authority?

“You welcomed him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.” – Psalm 21:3

David understood where his real blessings came from and the honor that was bestowed upon him. His earthly crown was nothing compared to all the blessings that were his. So again I ask, do we fully grasp what we have and what we have been given by God? God offers those who accept His forgiveness, salvation and lordship, the Crown of Life (James 1:12, Rev. 2:10) and a Crown of Glory (1 Peter 5:4) perhaps referring to God’s own Presence radiating His authority and rule through those He loved and redeemed.
As a king and one who had received an earthly crown—his statement is the reminder that God’s blessings far outweigh anything we can receive here. I am not suggesting that we should not strive to be better people—better workers—better husbands, wives, etc. But do those efforts include being better Christians? If you are a Sunday School Teacher are you giving 100% to that class? Are you spending any time at all in prayer? In the Word? Do you have lost loved ones that you are attempting to have saved?
Righteousness is a crown that each of us should wear proudly and visibly. And it is one that no one except the person wearing it can remove!
Pastor J. T. Carnell