When considering the crown of thorns, we ponder the precious price paid by Christ Jesus for us.

 

This morning, I can hear the same words echoing over the lives of believers committed to live and die for Christ Jesus.

 

With your call will come a crown. We cherish this promise deeply. Yet, let me also warn you that it will also come with thorns.

 

There will be a piercing pained journey as you learn to die again and again for the Kingdom and the King.

 

Many want the crown without the thorns. It will never be for the true follower of Jesus.

 

“Through death into life everlasting…”

 

Give it up, dear Saint. This life which you cling to and all of its beauty. Glory is calling you higher!

 

Take the crown of Christ. The one that needles your temples with excruciating pain. The one that sinks so deep at times you’ll scream in anguish, “The KING is alive!”

 

The onslaught of the enemy will prove fierce, but your strength in battle is assured with the power of Christ in you.

 

The soldier of Christ will have a sword and a crown. That royal crown is not embedded by fine jewels, but by the precious blood of the lamb.

 

Running down your face at times will be a hint of crimson red as you war with Christ against the darkness.

 

The sold-out Saint is unable to remove such a crown. It comes with the territory. Every apostle, prophet, pastor, teacher will find thorns that seem to be too much to bear at times.

 

You’ll rise again and again with a bloodied face from battle, while a sweet fragrance is released through your pours.

 

You may find yourself on one knee, wondering if you can stand again…

 

The crown seems heavy while carrying the cross.

 

But in one moment, the wind will blow freshly and fill your lungs with supernatural strength.

 

Once again, you’ll stand with that sword raised to Heaven and that crown deeply intact while declaring with all of your might….

 

“Jesus is still victor.”