The prize awaits me—
the crown of righteousness.
—2 Timothy 4:8
More than thirty million people have gawked at the crowns and other items of ceremonial regalia of the kings and queens of England. Known as the “Crown Jewels,” they are stored and displayed in the Tower of London. Different crowns are worn for various occasions by British monarchs and other potentates.
Soldiers made a mockery of Jesus’ designation as a king. They “twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe [and said] ‘Hail, king of the Jews’” (Jn 19:2, 3).
He wore that crown without resisting so that you can one day step up and claim the crown that is reserved in your name (2 Tm 4:8)—“a crown that will last forever” (1 Cor 9:25).
Bear your cross here;
wear your crown there.