That’s some crown
by Verena Johnson
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Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown (Revelation 2:10).
I remember visiting the Tower of London and getting quite excited about the chance to see the famous crown jewels, including the actual crowns. There are two main crowns: St Edward’s Crown, which is only ever used at the crowning of a new monarch, and the Imperial State Crown, which the monarch wears after leaving Westminster Abbey and on state occasions like the opening of parliament.
However, we saw the queue and wondered whether it was worth waiting for! But as we waited, we heard some interesting facts from a tour guide giving his spiel ahead of us. St Edward’s Crown was made in 1661 of solid gold. It weighs 2.23 kilograms and is adorned with semi-precious stones. The Imperial State Crown is also made of gold and set with 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 269 pearls and 4 rubies. It weighs a much more bearable 1.06 kilograms.
Then came the moment we finally got to see them in person, surrounded by armed beefeater guards and behind all the security glass. We stood, frantically taking pictures, on a slow conveyer belt that takes you past them. This is so that no-one holds up the queue, and everyone gets a chance to see them in a very organised way.
So, what did I think of these priceless treasures? Yes, they were impressive, especially in light of all the tour guide’s facts, but I think I expected them to sparkle more or something. Maybe they needed cleaning!
I found out later that they are cleaned every January with gin and water! (Apparently, the royal jeweller swears by it.)
I will never get to wear a crown like that here on earth, but in heaven, I will get an even better crown.
So will you.
God has promised us all a crown far more priceless than any earthly crown: a victor’s crown that will be truly ours to wear, not guarded and hidden behind security glass. He will freely give us the crown of life that will never perish, fade or lose its sparkle. This crown won’t just be worn at our coronation or for state occasions; we get to wear it for all eternity.
Now that’s a crown worth waiting for!
Heavenly Father, thank you for the crown of life you have promised to us. Help us stay faithful to you and serve you here on earth while we wait for our eternal heavenly life with you. Amen.
Verena is a Church Worker Support Officer for the LCA Church Worker Support Department, where it is her privilege to support congregations, pastors, lay workers, employees and volunteers of LCA. In her spare time, she is involved in drama ministry, women’s ministry and prayer ministry. She has three children and eight grandchildren in three different states.
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