In the midst of all the troublesome stuff in the news, I've been meditating on the kingship of Christ. There is a man, who is just as much a man as any other head of state alive today, that sits on the throne of the universe. All these other people in their various offices who struggle with serving the country or serving themselves are all answerable, right now, to this King. They themselves live in this monarchy! And someday they will answer for what they have done with the positions that have been given to them.
The kingship of Christ is not a merely spiritual truth. It is a historic fact. All the nations of all the earth, whatever they may think of themselves, are literally subordinate to the divine monarchy. This king is daily active - in office - ruling over the affairs of mankind, directing them according to His Father's will.
When the King was with us, he spoke of his kingdom in spiritual terms: "the kingdom of God is within you." This is still true today. Yet, as he sits on the divine throne of David, "all authority in heaven and earth" having been given to him, he fulfills that kingship which is over the nations, as declared by David in Psalm 2 and elsewhere in Scripture. And all his political rule, if you will, is exercised for the good of his spiritual rule. He works "all things together for good for them that love God and are the called according to his purpose." In it all, he has his Bride on his mind.
Thus, we live in a world ruled by the King of Love! Whatever the tin pot tyrants of this world think they are doing, however they may be in rebellion against this king and abusing their offices, they are in a very tentative position. It is God who puts down and raises up another, and he will have his way among the nations.
As our medieval fathers believed, and believed rightly, the whole universe still moves with love in response to the love of God in Christ. In a fundamental sense, we in this country are not in as big of a mess we think we may be in. There are many things beyond the control of men - if only they would acknowledge it! - but there is nothing beyond the control of the King. And He is our King - our Friend - forever.
Rejoice! The Lord is King!
Your Lord and King adore!
Mortals, give thanks and sing,
And triumph evermore.
In the joy and hope of our King, let us be content under his benevolent rule. Let us be thankful for his benevolent rule. Let us be confident in his wisdom in the affairs of men and his readiness to see that justice is done. Let us be glad in our dutiful worship and service of this glorious king. Let us demonstrate faith in him and not be moved from our peace, our victory, our hope, and our daily duty.
Amen.
Image: http://shepherdstudy.wordpress.com/2008/05/01/why-celebrate-ascension-part-ii/
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