The Crown of Beauty
(Photo by Ashton Mullins on Unsplash)
Beautiful One,
You are My treasure; the one I paid for so many years ago. I risked it all for you just like the man who sold everything he had to buy the field with a great treasure. You are worth the sacrifice I made. It was My joy to shed My blood to purchase your freedom. And I would do it again.
I came to seek and to save the lost. You didn't know you were lost. You didn't think you were a treasure worth finding. I not only found you, but I bestowed on you a crown of beauty.
My favor is on you because you are Mine. You may not always understand what that means for you now because you have things you want and aren't getting yet. When you look back, you see how I orchestrated things for your good. You didn't always get what you wanted when you wanted it. You were in that place of waiting like you are now. But do you remember when you received beauty for ashes and the oil of joy for your mourning? I gave you a garment of praise in place of your despair. And I will do it again.
Keep your eyes on Me, the One who gave up everything to purchase you!
Your Savior,
Jesus
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field,
which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he
goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Matthew 13:44 (ESV)
and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)