It is rare for me to comment on current events, but at this time of the year I am choosing to make some remarks. This past Sunday we remembered and celebrated the entrance of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, the King of all kings who entered the gate, knowing what would come. This Friday we will remember He gave Himself as a sacrifice for the cleansing of all our sin by His shed blood. We remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and rejoice in His kindness to us, that through His death we would be freed from the bondage of sin and Satan, and through His resurrection we would be raised to a new life in Christ – for today, as well as for eternity.
So, I call us to think about kings – and about the true King Jesus.
This last weekend there were “No Kings Protests” throughout the United States. We don’t have a king to rule over us. Kings are in positions by the means of one of two things: they reign by lineage or by force. Their authority is limited by man’s ability. However, it is true that when an actual ruling king they speaks, those who are subject to him respond. If they do not, they are likely executed. His word is final; his desires are undisputed; his actions are uncontested.
The protests of this past weekend were basically protests against a duly elected president. He is not a king; he never claimed to be a king; he does not have the authority of a king. He is a man, elected to hold a governmental office, as are all those who serve their constituency. President Trump was elected to serve; his election was uncontested; he had overwhelming victory. As he serves in this office, he is basically doing what he was elected to do.
The Christian’s response to their leaders is simple: we are called to obey them, to respect them, and to pray for them, that those under their authority may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way (1 Timothy 2.2). We may not always like what any leader may do; we might not agree with any, or few decisions made. However, we are still commanded to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed… (Romans 13.1-2). In our nation we are given the right to protest against those we do not agree with and think should change their actions. However, these protests should be held with a goal in mind of positive change and for the good of the people, while speaking truth.
I encourage us to have a right focus. Rather than using our time and energy to protest our dislikes, may we focus on what we can know for certain. Someday, the True and Only Sovereign King will come – and His name is Jesus. He will reign uncontested, in perfect righteousness, for the benefit of all those in His Millennial Kingdom. He will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6.15; Revelation 19.16). It is this King that will bring all together, as at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord… (Philippians 2.10-11). It is Him we should seek to follow today; this King we should seek to fully obey; this King we should exalt in all we do; this King we should honor. As we wait for a coming Kingdom, we can rejoice knowing He reigns supreme now.
May we be good subjects in His Kingdom, following Him in all things as He has shown us in His Word. May we pray for our leaders so they would be righteous and make decisions which are pleasing to the Lord and for the good of the people; may we pray they would be careful in words and thoughts and actions, seeking godly wisdom. May we respond to those who oppose either our current leaders or our Eternal Sovereign King with the truth of God’s Word and with a desire for righteousness to prevail. In all things and at all times, may we strive to be proclaimers of our King Jesus.
My Morning Desk 