The Crown of Life: Persevering in Unprecedented Times

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

—James 1:12

When I think of a crown, I think of a beautiful gem-studded head ornament. I do not think of a deadly virus. However, the coronavirus was given its name because its crown reminded scientists of the corona of the sun. While I first thought the name was ill-fitting, I now see how appropriate it is. A crown worn by a ruler signifies power. In comparison, the coronavirus has been ruling our world, exerting its power over our physical bodies, our businesses, schools, even the doors of our homes. For many of us, it has taken authority over our heart and mind, inciting fear, anxiety, and worry.

Note my perpetual calendar's verse for March 16th,
the day that President Trump launched Slow the Spread

As we enter Holy Week, I am reminded of another crown—the crown of thorns worn by Jesus. On the day of His crucifixion, Jesus was beaten by Roman soldiers, who also twisted a crown of thorns and placed it on His head, mocking Him as King of the Jews. While created in jest, this crown symbolizes the curse of sin and death that Jesus took upon Himself on the cross.

The Bible tells us, “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

Jesus vanquished the power of sin and sickness in our lives. Through His death and resurrection, He made a way for eternal life.

According to Biblestudytools.com, collecting the crown of a vanquished king was customary in the ancient world. The Bible tells us Jesus wears many crowns (Revelation 19:12). He has collected the crowns of all the rulers, coronavirus included, signifying that He is King of kings, the sovereign ruler of the earth.

In the midst of our trials, let us look to our King and remember the price He paid on our behalf. Let us “fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

Just as Jesus endured the cross, let us endure these trials and persevere in the faith, knowing that our troubles are light and momentary compared to the eternal glory that awaits (2 Corinthians 4:17). As Jesus has triumphed and is crowned with many crowns, we too will wear a crown if we endure to the end, for the Bible says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).

The Lord says, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown” (Revelation 2:10b).

If Jesus is the King of your heart, death does not have the final say-so. Coronavirus does not have the final say-so. Those who have accepted Christ will live with Him in heaven forever.

If you have never surrendered your heart to Jesus, now is the perfect time. Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Surrender your life to the King of kings. Admit your frailty, ask for forgiveness, and accept His free gift of eternal life. Allow Him to rule and reign with peace in your heart today.

Picture yourself laying down at the foot of the cross all your sin and shame, your achievements and trophies, and especially now during these unprecedented times your fear and despair and exchanging it all some day for a crown.

That’s the beautiful image I want to see when I think of a crown.

Dear Lord Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith,

Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You and not on the problems of our world, for You have triumphed over sin and death by Your work on the cross. Coronavirus may be ugly, but You can bring forth something good out of this evil, bestow a crown of beauty for ashes and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair (Isaiah 61:1-3). Coronavirus may have been named for its resemblance to the corona of the sun, but I trust in Your name, the name above all names; I focus on the corona of the Son, worn on the rugged cross for me.

Thank You, Jesus.

When rummaging through my junk drawer, this magnet seemed to float to the surface.
Thank You, Jesus, for reminding me of Your guideline for peace in the pandemic.