Casting Crowns
Consider crowns. They adorn the heads of royalty and signify great power. The book of Revelation tells us the elders in the heavenly realms throw their crowns at the feet of Jesus :
Revelation 4:9-11 (NASB) “And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”
What does this mean ?
Crowns represent human effort and the desire for power. The jewels and decorations of a crown represent diverse accomplishments and achievements. When the elders cast their crowns at the feet of Jesus , they are surrendering their own sense of authority that was acquired through the power of their own will. It is a sacrifice.
All humans wear a metaphoric crown. It is the synthesis of our accomplishments, pride, and the false sense of control. Crowns cover the head - they prevent a vertical flow of revelation from heaven.
God never demands we give up our crowns. In fact He will never ask. He will only prompt in love. When we cast them at His feet, they are not gone forever, but are recycled and infused with His divine character.
Crowns are an alloy - a combination of metals fused together in high heat. When we sacrifice our man-made crowns, God picks them up, melts the components in the fire of His divine love, and rearranges them according to His superior plan and purpose. He then places it back on our head and exalts us according to His purpose (James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6). The effort, work, and passion that went into the construction of our self-made crowns will not be wasted, for He redeems all things (Romans 8:28). Our abilities and purpose become divinely empowered by Him.
What are the attributes of our new spiritual crown? Eternal life, wisdom, authority, and righteousness, and profound revelation.
Proverbs 4:7-9 (NIV)“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.”
James 1:12 (NASB) “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
2 Timothy 4:8 (NASB) “in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
Let us be quick to cast our crowns at the feet of Jesus when He so prompts. The reward is the experience of a greater reality - the kingdom of heaven, operating in and through our minds and hearts. We will conclude with the words of Jesus: “Blessed are those who are poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
