By: The Rev. Russell E. J. Martin
The world has a deep fascination with royalty and none seem to garner more attention that the British Royal Family! Even as Americans, we seem to have an ongoing interest in the all things royal-whether it be an imperial wedding or the birth of another heir to the throne and so forth. We just cannot seem to get enough of the pomp, majesty, and enchantment that seem to surround royalty. Yet as Christians it is imperative that we never forget that we are part of an even greater Kingdom that “is not of this world” (John 18:36) and neither is our King! We, like Pontius Pilate, must not only consider the question “So you are a King?” but also, and more importantly, how we might respond to Jesus’ reply. Christ affirms that He is indeed a king and it was for this purpose that He was born and has “come into the world to bear witness to the truth”. We must deal with the irrefutable fact that Jesus claims to be our Sovereign and Judge. For whether or not we recognize His lordship and dominion does not change the fact that He is indeed a king! The deeper question is what should we do with this information. How are we to respond to the objective reality of Jesus as King? Is He truly my sovereign Lord and, if so, how is this evident my life? For there are only two options with regard to the assertion that Jesus is a King-acceptance or rejection-there is absolutely no middle ground!
If we reject Jesus as our sovereign, then He is simply irrelevant to us, and His claims mean nothing. However, if we accept that Jesus is who He said He is and He is what He is, namely a King, then there is nothing more significant than His reign in our lives! We must be careful to avoid Pilate’s problem, which is to be confronted by Christ the King and fail to acknowledge it. Ask yourself, “Is Christ truly my King?” If so, then how do I concretely and consistently demonstrate my fealty to Him and if not why not? If you find that you are somewhere in the middle or you have doubts but desire clarity, then I invite you to pray and ask Jesus to reveal Himself to you as Lord of Lords and King of Kings.
His Kingdom is coming and we must not tarry, for He will come to judge the heavens as well as the earth and all that is contained therein, even as He will judge the living and the dead. So rejoice in the Divine Majesty of Jesus Christ and the gift of grace and salvation
He offers the world through His own death and resurrection! What are you waiting for?
The time has come, the time is now!