The King of kings

Considering the history of our nation in dealing with King George of England during the Revolutionary War it’s no wonder that our society has always held a very dim view of the concept of a “king.” This aversion was reinforced through the abusive nature of France’s ruling class, epitomized in Marie Antoinette’s infamous declaration to the hungry of Paris when she said, “Let them eat cake!” Royalty and its trappings were things that our founding fathers sought to avoid in establishing the new government of the young nation, and ever since we have prided ourselves on not having a king for a ruler. Yet, if the truth is admitted, the privileges, wealth and power of kings and royalty has been appropriated by our elected officials incrementally over the last two hundred years.

In many ways there is very little difference in the attitudes and behaviors of our current presidents, representatives and judges and that of kings of the past. What was intended to be a government “of the people, by the people and for the people” has morphed into a government “of the electable, by the powerful and for the incumbent,” making the grip on the reins of government nearly as strong as any self-indulgent historic king. All while the real picture of a true king is obscured by our ignorance.

Jesus is declared in the Bible to be “The King of kings and Lord of lords.” This implies (at the very least) that there is a high moral and ethical character of kingship that has been deformed and nearly destroyed by the selfishness and sinfulness of men. The high qualities of mercy, grace and compassion that are obviously visible in the character of Jesus reveal the goodness and strength of a king as God intended the office to function. In God’s Kingdom authority is inseparably yoked to responsibility; power is to be dependent upon submission and privilege should be tied directly to selfless sacrifice. Such is the nature of our King, to Whom we give allegiance and fealty.

Jesus – the One true King – serves not Himself but others, and establishes the principle of true Kingship, “only the ruled will rule!”

All hail King Jesus!!!

How exciting to be His people,
Pastor David Vanderpool