And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:4 NIV

 

When I was in England last, I visited the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels. Sadly, I was not allowed to take a picture of them. The most beautiful of all the items is St Edwards Crown that is always used for coronations. It is exceptionally exquisite, built of a solid gold frame, with semi-precious stones; rubies, sapphires, topazes, amethysts, tourmalines and garnets surrounding it. In the centre is a purple velvet cap and the bottom has an ermine rim. Interestingly, it is not the original crown created for Edward the Confessor. Kings sometimes traded in jewels to finance wars, and in the English Civil war the parliamentarians melted down the crown destroying it. The crown now owned by Elizabeth II was remade in 1661 for Charles II. Jesus, our good shepherd promises us a crown of glory when he returns. All those who are faithful to him will be given a crown that will never fade, be melted down, or the jewels hocked. You will wear that crown to testify to the Universe that the Everlasting Father is a God of love, redemption, justice and grace.