Chris Heimerdinger, an American author once remarked: “We are the farmers of the future. If we desire all the gifts of God, if we seek to win the Golden Crown, we can't just sit back and watch. We have to make it happen.” Isaiah 62:3 reminds us: “You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.”
The Golden Crown is perceived to be a crown of holiness with the inferred implication of a reserved inheritance in heaven. Its structure is considered visionary rather than tangible, but its reward is reportedly colossal. Its acquisition is impossible to obtain, except through the acceptance and commitment of a devoted life to God. Exodus 39:30 reminds us: They made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote on it an inscription, like the engraving of a signet, “Holy to the Lord.”
Aaron, is identified in the Bible as the brother of Moses and as a Levite. He was a man chosen by God to initially speak on Moses’ behalf when he confronted Pharaoh concerning the release of the Israelites from slavery. Exodus 4:14 confirms: “Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses and he said, “Is there not Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Behold, he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart.”
A Levite is a member of the Hebrew tribe of Levi, especially of that part which provided assistants to the priests in the worship in the Jewish temple. Leviticus 8:1-9 states: The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments and the anointing oil and the bull of the sin offering and the two rams and the basket of unleavened bread. And assemble all the congregation at the entrance of the tent of meeting.” And Moses did as the Lord commanded him, and the congregation was assembled at the entrance of the tent of meeting.
And Moses said to the congregation, “This is the thing that the Lord has commanded to be done.” And Moses brought Aaron and his sons and washed them with water. And he put the coat on him and tied the sash around his waist and clothed him with the robe and put the ephod on him and tied the skilfully woven band of the ephod around him, binding it to him with the band. And he placed the breastpiece on him, and in the breastpiece he put the Urim and the Thummim. And he set the turban on his head, and on the turban, in front, he set the golden plate, the holy crown, as the Lord commanded Moses.
The priestly golden crown was a golden plate or tiara worn by the Jewish High Priest on his miter or turban whenever he would minister in the Tabernacle or the temple in Jerusalem. Part of the Law given to Moses at Sinai granted Aaron the priesthood for himself and his male descendants for his godly efforts and he became the first High Priest of the Israelites. Exodus 28:38 confirms: ”It shall be on Aaron's forehead, and Aaron shall bear any guilt from the holy things that the people of Israel consecrate as their holy gifts. It shall regularly be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.”
Gold is a symbol of worth. It is a metal that is resistant to most acids. It is often found as nuggets or grains in rocks, veins or alluvial deposits. It is normally solid in structure and is considered as the most malleable of all metals. It can be processed into single strands of jewelry of various thicknesses for wearing as necklaces and the like. It retains value and will not rust or tarnish. In the 16th and 17th Centuries, Gold Crowns were minted as monetary coins. They are now considered extremely rare. Gold can convey a symbol of purity and perfection. However, if heated, it will mutate into a soluble form. Just as temptation can change mankind from good deeds into sin, so heat will transform gold’s basic structure also. 1 Peter 1:7 confirms: “So that the tested genuineness of your faith - more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire - may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Most crowns of today are usually reserved for royalty. They are a symbol of status or stature. However, they do not resemble in any way, shape or form, the heavenly crowns that may be awarded by God. These are presented for godly deeds, for loyalty, faithfulness or particular and favorable acts of service. They are not obtained through descendency, self-appointment or hereditary succession. There may be considered elements, such as anointing, during any coronation service that may be considered as godly, but kingship ends with death. It does not create or verify eternal life. Only those crowns awarded by God can possibly be considered eternal. Robert Greene, an American author once remarked: “The Crown. Place it upon your head and you assume a different post-tranquil yet radiating assurance. Never show doubt, never lose your dignity beneath the crown, or it will not fit. It will seem to be destined for one more worthy. Do not wait for a coronation; the greatest emperors crown themselves.”
Holy is defined as dedicated or consecrated to God or a religious purpose. Holiness is an ongoing process. It never falters. It is considered as the true constitution of God. Only God has the ability and power to consistently remain truly holy. Isaiah 6:3 confirms: And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” The word may also be used to refer to mortals that hold a certain position in life, such as the pope, but this is only terminology used in a title of address, the pope may be dedicated and consecrated to God, but that does not confer holiness in itself. It is merely a calling to strive for that idealism. 1 Peter 1:13-16 confirms: Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
The golden crown may possibly be equated to the crown of life. If we sow seeds of righteousness, then we can hope to reap eternal life in God’s kingdom. Although it is not specifically listed under the heavenly crowns, proponents who believe in its concept may identify it with the five crowns that can be specifically awarded by God. These represent: The Crown of Life, the Incorruptible Crown, the Crown of Righteousness, the Crown of Glory and the Crown of Exultation. Each are believed to appertain to rewards that may be handed out at, or after the last judgment. Revelation 2:10 reminds us: “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Amen.
