THE CHILDREN'S CROWN

It is not an unknown thing for a child to wear a royal crown. Indeed Josiah, one of the kings of Judah, was only seven years old when he was acclaimed and crowned. Actually he was more pleasing to God when young than in later years. The Lord Jesus was born a King but although He is now crowned with glory and honour, the only crown that He received on earth was one of thorns. It is thought that the plant from which this was made was one known to have pliable stems with thorns and also leaves like common ivy. In this way, in mockery, He was given both a royal diadem and a victor's gar land. No shame was spared to our blessed Saviour! No doubt He still wore the crown when crucified.

For the Christian there is a crown, always referred to as a reward kept in store for the end of life's course so as to encourage him or her to be an overcomer. In the games of ancient time there were no prizes as we know them now, but the victor's crown consisted of a simple woven circlet of ivy, parsley or laurel leaves. The old word for it was the same as the name Stephen. What an overcomer he was! To his Lord and Master he was faithful unto death and· has received a martyr's crown.

In his epistle, James refers to the crown of life to be received by the one who endures temptation. Th is should be an encouragement to boys and girls to resist temptation and keep a good conscience before God and enjoy what is really life even before the crowning day. This crown is one of the things that God "has promised to them that love him". Another is a kingdom to go with it!

Peter's expectation was for a crown of glory from the Lord Jesus as the Chief Shepherd. The saints who form the flock of God need to be cared for and there are many ways in which the youngest believer can be of use. Even "a cup of cold water" given as refreshment where need is will find its reward.

Paul, thinking as he often seems to have done of the athletic games, wrote of his hope of a crown of righteousness. It would be a true answer to the agony of his contests against evil and to the steadiness of his Christian life. It was laid up ready to be displayed when the Lord will appear again in His glory and all those who long for His appearing will receive it. These must include many boys and girls who have Him for their righteousness and honour Him in their lives. Are you amongst them?

J.C.Evershed