The idea of a king having sovereign authority is relatively unfamiliar to most Americans and, for that matter, not welcome. Obviously, we as Americans, rebelled against the King of England and gained our independence in 1776. At best, in the modern era, we catch a headline here and there and maybe a glimpse of English royalty, but now they lack any political or executive role. Although, whether custom or pageantry, 12 out of the last 13 presidents, all but President Johnson (Source: USA Today, September 2022), met with Queen Elizabeth during her reign. Nevertheless, English royalty has the title of king or queen but certainly lacks any significant international power and influence. Said another way, the modern king or queen of England has the palace and pageantry “fit for a king” but not the associated power.
In contrast, historically speaking, kings had unchecked authority within their kingdoms and often projected significant power over other kingdoms. The king even had authority in their particular kingdom over life and death. Literally, the king got what he wanted when he wanted it. As you can imagine, the hopes of people who were subjects in these kingdoms were desperate for a fair, compassionate, and honest king. Otherwise, they were met with a miserable and unpredictable future.
As we read in the Bible, there are good and evil kings even among the kings of Israel. Speaking of evil kings, as we read in 1 Kings, Ahab is married to Jezebel who led him to worship Baal and erect a temple and altar. Thankfully, however, by God’s grace, he later repented. Even David who is deemed a “man after God’s own heart” (1 Sam 13:14) is exposed by his lust which led to murder. Again, by God’s grace, we see the evidence of true repentance (Psalm 51). In contrast, Hezekiah and Josiah devoted themselves to God and did right in God’s eyes. Nevertheless, these kings, good or evil, were fallible men and subject to mistakes and sinful desires. They were due honor and respect as authorities appointed by God (Daniel 2:21), but never our worship and unqualified loyalty (Daniel 3).
There is a king however who is worthy of our worship, loyalty, and obedience. He is universally sovereign as the King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15-16) and has all power in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). He is the Lord Jesus Christ. As the Apostle John wrote, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty . . . Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power . . .” (Revelation 4) Therefore, whether our life, worship, offering, service, attitude, or motive it must be “fit for a king.” And, of course, not just any king, but the King of kings and Lord of lords.
REV 19:11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
The King, the Lord Jesus Christ, has and will project power and pageantry that has yet to be seen. His title actually means what it says. Therefore, it is time, past time, that we all bow and submit our will to His will.
PhP 2:9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
A Work in Progress,
Gene
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