Wear a Crown for Jesus!

Photo image courtesy Nancy C. Williams

The Lord their God will save them in that day, as the flock of His people. For they shall be like the jewels of a crown, lifted like a banner over His land. – Zechariah 9:16

Want to go on a short-term mission but have no talents to help? Pack a tiara...so you can turn into a “princess for Jesus”!

I love to accompany my husband when he goes on medical team trips where his healthcare skills are vital. But I have no medical training to assist him at the makeshift clinics.

Instead, I’m usually tapped to organize a program like Vacation Bible School for local children. It requires overcoming significant cultural and language barriers to tell little ones about Jesus, especially when many of the children have never heard Bible stories.

But almost all of them know about fairytales, and they can identify with being a princess or prince.

So, I go into “princess mode” to capture their attention. I pop on my rhinestone tiara and waltz into the gathering, asking the children (through a translator) if they think I’m a real princess. Usually, they just laugh!

Then, I explain that Jesus is my King, and I am His child. As His princess, I can run to Him whenever I wish because He loves me. And, I have royal responsibilities to talk with others about Him. I tell the children they can be princes and princesses, too, if they ask Jesus into their hearts. After the lesson, they have fun making bejeweled paper crowns for themselves.

My tiara has come in handy, too, for teaching senior women among the Cherokee people. The crown has served as a visual aid to share the story about Queen Esther and how she saved her people through her royal role, prayers, and courage. That little bit of bling has had a lot of impact!

If you’re a child of the Heavenly King, you can wear the same kind of crown and share the same good news. You are heir to God’s “riches”—abundant life on earth and eternal life in His presence. You are granted privileged access to His throne room where you can approach Him in prayer, peace, and pure joy. You are loved so much by your Father King.

Isn’t that a great message to tell the world? Shouldn’t others be invited to enjoy this privilege as well?

Mission trips aren’t always about taking care of medical needs, disaster relief, or digging wells. And you don’t need extraordinary skills to go. You can always serve as a royal ambassador, whether you’re traveling halfway around the globe or working in your local community. Just take along your crown, whether it comes from an accessory store, a cardboard cutout, or your imagination.

As you and I go through this week, let’s ask Jesus to polish our “crowns” and plant them firmly on our heads so that we’re ready to honor our King and share His great love with the rest of the world.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Think of opportunities Jesus often gives you to share His Good News. What are some of the obstacles holding you back, and how can you overcome them?

2. Are there any mission organizations or teams where you could volunteer to help as a teacher?

3. What are some other visual aids that would help you share the Good News about Jesus?