Crown

This word always makes me think of a king. A crown is a “circular ornamental headdress worn by a monarch/king as a symbol of authority”. The crown is also in reference to “the highest part of something”… like our head. I remembered, “Jack fell down and broke his crown…” I’ve never really worn a crown except for the paper Burger King crown and that doesn’t really mean that I’m king of anything.

Zechariah sees visions and is given instructions from the Lord regarding a crown. I found it interesting that the son of the spiritual leader was crowned king in this instance. Check this out….

9 The Lord spoke his word to me, saying, 10 “Take silver and gold from Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, who were captives in Babylon. Go that same day to the house of Josiah son of Zephaniah, who came from Babylon. 11 Make the silver and gold into a crown, and put it on the head of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. 12 Tell him this is what the Lord All-Powerful says: ‘A man whose name is the Branch will branch out from where he is, and he will build the Temple of the Lord. 13 One man will build the Temple of the Lord, and the other will receive honor. One man will sit on his throne and rule, and the other will be a priest on his throne. And these two men will work together in peace.’ 14 The crown will be kept in the Temple of the Lord to remind Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Josiah son of Zephaniah. 15 People living far away will come and build the Temple of the Lord. Then you will know the Lord All-Powerful has sent me to you. This will happen if you completely obey the Lord your God.” (Zechariah 6:9-15 NCV)

The first time through this passage I missed the fact that the son of the priest became king which would normally put him a position to rule over his father. However in God’s economy, the person in charge is not always the one with an earthly crown. I also found it interesting that even though Joshua was given a crown as king, the crown was to be kept in the Temple. Finally, the Lord is showing harmony between the position of King and position of Priest.  Jesus is often referred to as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I guess you could add to the “Priest of Priests”!

I look at these Old Testament prophets through the eyes of Jesus. In their day, Jesus had not walked the earth. His Presence here on earth changed everything. He didn’t need a crown to be King of Kings. He is God’s Son! When He came everyone expected Him to rule like a king, instead He ushered in a economy of Grace and Mercy. He explained that the highest position in His Kingdom is not the one in charge; it’s the one serving the least. Jesus didn’t use His royalty as a “trump card”, He surrendered it to serve with passion and power. What an example o serving…laying down my rights and privileges to serve like Jesus. When I think of a crown, I think of a king – when I think of a King, I think of Jesus. His crown of thorns was the only crown He wore and it was during the sacrifice of His very life.

I will live this day to honor the King of Kings Who came that I may live forever. He came and brought forgiveness and grace in unlimited supply. He is forever my King!