The Jewels in the Crown
“They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown.”
Zechariah 9:16 (NIV UK)
If you were to visit the Tower of London, security might usher you past the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom so quickly that you don’t get a good look at them.
The Crown Jewels comprise treasured items such as the gold Anointing Spoon dating from the 12th century, swords, orbs, rings, bracelets and ceremonial robes. Among the most impressive displays are the crowns. These include King Edward’s Crown, which is used whenever a monarch is crowned, and the Imperial State Crown, typically worn at the State Opening of Parliament. Both crowns are resplendent with jewels: the King Edward’s Crown sparkles with sapphires, topazes, amethysts and other precious stones, whereas the Imperial State Crown proudly boasts the diamond known as the Second Star of Africa, and is set with more than 3,000 gems.
Most of these items, apart from the Anointing Spoon and some stones in the crowns, are relatively new. They were made following the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660. After Oliver Cromwell had Charles I executed, he had the previous English Crowns and their gold and silver accessories melted down for coinage. The republican Cromwell, however, did not destroy the magnificent, ancient Scottish Crown Jewels, which were then and still are located in Edinburgh Castle.
Had the prophet Zechariah seen the crown jewels of Israel and Judah? It seems unlikely. Jeremiah explained that the “glorious crowns” would fall from the heads of the kings as they went into captivity (13:8). When Nebuchadnezzar invaded Jerusalem his troops carried to Babylon “all the treasures of the king”, and anything of value left in Jerusalem’s palaces was burned down and destroyed (2 Chronicles 36:18-19). Years later, in order to encourage his people, Zechariah said that, when God restores them to the land, they would be like the new jewels in God’s everlasting crown.
By analogy this concept extends to Christians. Jesus is the Head of God’s Kingdom, and we are like the jewels in his crown. Of course no one has to stand in a queue and pay a small fortune for a short glimpse of these crown jewels…they are on free view for anyone to see all of the time.
Speaking of the redeemed of God, Isaiah wrote, “You will be a crown of splendour in the Lord ’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God” (62:3).
Prayer
Almighty Father, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, thank you that you have chosen us to be like jewels in your crown. In Jesus name.
Amen
Study by James Henderson
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About the Author:
James Henderson is the National Ministry Leader for Grace Communion International in the UK and Ireland. You are welcome to attend any of our local congregations. For details of your nearest local congregation, check on our website, www.wcg.org.uk under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.
Contact:
Email: admin@daybyday.org.uk