By Jody Sackman
Yesterday was one of those days in time that I would like to ‘freeze!’ It was filled with sunshine, some special deliveries, anticipation, and feelings of joy!
Why was yesterday so special, you may ask. It was special to me because my dad received the honor of being crowned king at the Richardton Health Center. As king, he received a crown of gold that was heavy and complete with jewels. While I missed the actual crowning ceremony, my brother reiterated my thoughts. The crowning as king was described as: surprise, unbelief, and complete with a huge unerasable smile.
The remainder of the day, I couldn’t stop thinking about the thought ‘King for a Day.’ What would it be like to be held in a place of honor? What is it like to be called king? Of course my mind turns to *THE KING OF KINGS* and the events before receiving the crown.
Jesus’ first crown was not of gold, it was a crown of thorns complete with gut wrenching sorrow and mourning. At one point Jesus asked for a full stop; for the event to not take place, for God to ‘take this cup from him,’ that he would not have to receive the crown (of thorns) + endure the excruciating pain and torment that went along with it. “Saying, Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but [always] Yours be done.” Luke 22:42
How many times in life do we long to wear the ‘crown’ yet we don’t take into account the cost?? We desire to receive the glory, the podium, the place of honor, the limelight, but we forget there is a cost to it all. Just as Jesus endured the cost of the crown.
As a senior in high school, I along with 3 other young ladies and four young men were apart of the royal homecoming court. There was a definite anticipation that filled the gym that day. Us girls were dolled up, complete with sparkly dresses, large amounts of aqua net hairspray (to be sure the hair was ‘high’ and unmovable), sticky lip gloss and other forms of makeup, (most likely bold eye shadow). I remember feelings of butterflies within my inner-most-being while the anticipation of who would be crowned, built. I’m certain the bleachers were full of wonder too, as whispers and a humm filled the room. After the announcement was made, only one couple was honored; one female and one male; only one couple received the king and queen titles. Sadly, I was not the chosen one to receive the crown + the title of 1991 homecoming queen.
That day held feelings of both joy and sadness for me. Yet, for my handsome daddy being coronated King was a highlight of his life. In my dad’s words, “It was unbelievable”.
But I have a news flash for ya’ll, those things are •NOTHING• compared to the coming crown of life we will receive on ‘that’ day; the crown of life, eternal life! Now, that has me filled with •unbelievable• feelings of joy and anticipation!!
As per the web: The "crown of life" is a Biblical metaphor for the ultimate reward of eternal life, given to believers who remain faithful, obedient, and steadfast in love toward God despite facing trials, persecution, and temptation (James 1:12, Revelation 2:10).
While most of us will not be crowned king/queen for a day, we each have an opportunity to receive a crown, someday soon! A crown that won’t tarnish, that is forever ours, never to be removed from our heads and given to another.
Friends, I don’t know about you BUT I believe that eternal crown will be far better than a crown for the day!
How do we receive the crown of everlasting life?
1. Believe (in the Lord Jesus)
“They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved — you and your household.” Acts 16:31
2. Receive (the free gift of salvation)
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.“ Romans 6:23
3. Choose to live your life for Jesus, unashamedly sharing the gospel with all.
“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
Mark 16:15
4. Endure: Patiently endure testing and remain faithful to the Lord Jesus through trials.
"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
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the beautiful reminder that Your love for us is eternal. We praise You for being THE KING OF KINGS and for the sacrifice You made, wearing a crown of thorns so that we might one day wear the crown of life.
Lord, help us to keep our eyes fixed on You through every trial and celebration. When we face seasons of cost and sacrifice, remind us of the glory that is to come. We ask for the strength to remain faithful and the courage to share Your Gospel unashamedly with everyone we meet. We are so grateful for the free gift of salvation and the joy of knowing that our true home is with You forever.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
My name is Jody Sackman, a country girl at heart, wife, and proud mother to three amazing children. I’m also a dog mom, coffee lover, and someone who’s discovered a newfound passion for writing what’s on my heart. I thrive on sunshine, fresh air, and spending time in the beautiful badlands. Medora, hiking, and the wild horses bring me joy, as does encouraging others and sharing laughter. Quiet moments with my dog, coffee, and Jesus are my refuge. In recent years, I’ve learned to cling to Jesus as the anchor of my soul—my hope, my steadfast, loving Father, and the lover of my soul. Through life’s struggles and seasons of hardship, God has given me the gift of writing as an outlet. My hope is that by sharing my journey with honesty and faith, others will find encouragement and see the hope I profess: Jesus, the Savior of the world. Maybe, just maybe, I will write that book, someday!