THE LORD JESUS CHRIST – YOUR SOVEREIGN KING

In our democratic elections we vote in governments and leaders hoping our problems will be solved, that our country will head in the right direction, that we will be looked after and protected as a nation of people.

Of course there are other forms of government besides a democracy, such as a dictatorship, or socialism. Theocracy is another type, or even a monarchy such as Israel had in it’s early years as a nation. Although Israel was established by God the people wanted to have a King like other nations. But God wanted His people to recognize that He was their Sovereign Lord and King. Speaking to Samuel, a prophet leader of the Hebrew people, God spoke words which still ring out through history “…. it is not you they have rejected as their king, but me.” Then, if we fast forward to the time of the crucifixion we hear the words of the high priests, “We have no king but Caesar” , this was in reply to Pilate’s question, “Shall I crucify your king?”

As we look back on our lives we may often wish we had done things differently, perhaps made different life choices. But the decision to make Jesus Christ Lord and King of our lives is the priority choice. Whilst we are encouraged to make Him Lord of our lives, and this is right, I personally pose this question. Are we emphasizing Christ’s headship over our lives at the expense of seeing Him as our caring King? Headship is surely all about surrendering and submitting our lives to Jesus,. The other side of the coin, as it were, is to recognize Jesus as our Sovereign, a King who is committed to our welfare and protection. In a sense, Lordship is our relationship to Him: Kingship, on the other hand is His relationship to us.

What is a sovereign ruler? It is a king who not only rules with justice and equity; but also to protect and provide for his people’s needs. Consider for a moment the incredible words God said to Abram the Hebrew patriarch, “Do not be afraid Abram. I am your shield (sovereign), your very great reward.” If this is not a statement of a loving God, I don’t know what is! Here is God saying to Abram that He wants to do him good. Abram replies, “O Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless….. ” Abram understood the love aspect of his Sovereign Lord who would protect and provide for him. This was not Abram quivering in fear before a tyrannical ruler, rather it was a person who was on intimate speaking terms with his God and King. The Old Testament record goes on to tell us how God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, (father of many); and his wife Sarai’s name changed to Sarah, (princess). Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah 90 when she gave birth to Isaac, God’s miracle provision. Genesis Chapters 15, 16 & 17, tells the fascinating story!

But now, let us come back to the consideration of Jesus as our King. Jesus of Nazareth never denied His title as KING! In fact to Pilate’s question, “You are a king then!” Jesus replied, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact for this reason I was born,… “
The Bible has many references affirming the Kingship of Jesus, He is indeed King of Kings and Lord of Lords. So much more could be said but to know there is a king whose name is Jesus. He is approachable and wants to do things for us, and we have the opportunity to trust Him day by day as our Sovereign Lord, a protector, a provider! Indeed, OUR KING!

A Chorus comes to mind :-
He is the King of kings-He is the Lord of lords,-
His name is Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Oh,- He is the King.

And also that Hymn :-
The King of love my shepherd is, Whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am His, And He is mine forever.

Ref. 1 Sam. 8:7, Gen. 15:1-6, John 19:15, Rev. 19:16. NIV.