21. The Crown of the Magi

A Crown for Eternity

21. The Crown of the Magi. The four beings surrounding the throne of God are represented as always praising him:

Also before the throne there was something that looked like a sea of glass, clear like crystal. In the center and around the throne were four living creatures with eyes all over them, in front and in back. {7} The first living creature was like a lion. The second was like a calf. The third had a face like a man. The fourth was like a flying eagle. {8} Each of these four living creatures had six wings and was covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty. He was, he is, and he is coming." {9} These living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the One who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever. (Revelation 4:6-9)

When the searcher has put on the crown--the understanding that God is love, that He has redeemed the human race, that the searcher's life is in the hands of One who satisfies the desire of every living thing, the harp is playing. The searcher has joined the angels, in this life. Eternal praise is the language of the truly enlightened.

There is no other road to find, no other pilgrimage needed. From here, all other journeys are simply forays of faith in response to the Omnipotent's gentle guiding, responses to the Guiding Hand of the Good Shepherd.

Those who wear the crown rest content in this life. Here is the patience of the saints...

No longer are they like the fool, who we see is on a quest, a false pilgrimage, not knowing that the kingdom of God is within...

The kingdom of Heaven is within...