Christ the King

What do you think of when you think of a king? King Kong? King Arthur? King Charles? King Louis? King David? Good, King Wenceslas? (Advent and Christmas is just around the corner) All of these examples are man’s use of the word King, as we tend to imagine it.

I have spoken with people who think of a king as some guy with a crown on his head, sitting on a throne, shouting out orders and telling his guards to throw you into a dungeon or lop off your head if you offend him. It has been my experience that this is the image we sometimes project on God. As N.T. Wright has written, “the very idea of kings… seems outdated, antiquated, unnecessary, and quite possibly abusive.”

Consequently, some folks think of God as an angry king. He has mighty power, and He is sitting on this throne ready to slam you when you sin and transgress His honor. To dishonor the king’s rules is to dishonor the king, and an affront to his glory. There will be a price to be paid.

This concept of a king is perversion. Our use of the word ‘king’ is an appropriation from God. He made the word first, it’s His design. And Jesus, the Icon of the Living God, is that design realized in flesh. Jesus, King of Kings, Christ the King is the model for what it means to be a King. The bringer of Justice and Peace, the one who brings good tidings to the poor and who proclaims release to the captives, releasing the oppressed, not dungeons! This king gives good gifts such as sight to the blind and healing to the lame. This is the description of Christ the King.

But consider just a little further. In the Revelation of John, kings come and cast down their crowns before Jesus. King of Kings truly. Sitting on a throne (figuratively speaking) at the right hand of His Father. He was born a King. Kings from foreign lands came to offer Him gifts and worship in the first years of His life. Jesus spoke of His Kingdom not being of this world, as He submitted to Pilate’s judgment.

And Jesus, the son of Mary, Son of the Living God, did conquer as kings do. His enemy, arrayed in hosts and with all their might, came to defeat Him. And without destroying the earth, He defeated his enemy, bursting the gates of hell from the inside out, taking death captive without one sword, cannon, or siege. He defeated them all, in humility, riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden. Jesus Christ the risen king!

So, we pause soon and remember that He is a king. Was always a king. Consider that Old Testament form of prayer as you pray this week. “Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the Universe,” and make your thanksgiving and petitions in this respect. For He will come again in great glory, and we will see our king, face to face.

Dcn. Mat