SUBJECTS OF THE KING
03rd May 2023
Some years ago whilst ministering in Germany, one of the leaders turned to me and said, “I think you British folk know how to worship so much better than us Germans. Your worship seems to have a sense of awe and wonder that is different. I believe it is because you have a Queen and know how to stand in the presence of royalty.” I found that reaction very interesting.
We are just about to have the Coronation of King Charles III, and it will be a time of great pomp, ceremony and celebration. We are looking forward it and will be watching it on TV and enjoying the way we British continue the tradition of centuries with all the pageantry that goes with it.
We however are subjects of another King, Jesus, who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and we need to bring our lives under His rule and authority. There is quite a lot of discussion about whether we should become a republic and ditch the monarchy. I wonder whether this stems from the fact that so many people want to have the sovereignty over their own lives and not submit to a higher authority.
1 Peter 2:9 describes believers as, “A chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Pilate caused a great stir when he had the notice placed on the cross stating, “This is the King of the Jews.” To be declared King demands a response, to come under the rule and reign of the King or the reject his authority.
Paul was clear in his instruction to Timothy as he gave him his charge at the end of the first letter he wrote to him. “I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ…the blest and only Ruler, the King of Kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal….” (1 Timothy 6:14-16)
I will enjoy the Coronation on Saturday, and don’t have problems with our constitutional monarchy. But I also want to re-examine my own life and its relationship to King Jesus. Does He have His rightful place of Lordship in my life? Am I conscious of living my life seeking to please Him in everything I do?
by Charles Sibthorpe