The Kingship of Jesus

The Kingship of Jesus is stressed in many places throughout the New Testament. In this second week of  our study in Colossians I found myself pulled towards these truths:

Jesus is King of All Creation
Colossians 1:16 tells us that" in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him" 

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Jesus is King of the Church
Colossians 1:18 says :

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What is a King? What is a Kingdom?
Dictionary Definitions:

King - Male sovereign or monarch, chief ruler, one invested with supreme authority over a nation, country or tribe, usually be hereditary succession.

Kingdom - A country or state headed by a king and/or queen, a monarch with a king or queen as head of state.

Let's take a look at some ancient history:

• Kings (and queens) have always been treated with a certain amount of respect.
• A king's subjects paid taxes towards his upkeep.
• His decrees/edicts were absolute and carried out under punishment of death.
• His subjects served Him, were loyal to him and defended him to the death.
• The wore outward signs of their allegiance, especially in times of battle.

Now, though the general respect for modern day royalty is not what it used to be, their sovereignty also not what it used to be...let's take a look at how most people respond to a visit from members of the British royal family:

Photo: Mail Online

• They line the streets for hours, waving flags, tossing flowers and other tributes of their affection.
• No expense is spared to host members of royalty.
• Heavy security is called out.
• Though there are some who despise anything to do with the monarchy, the majority consider themselves lucky and blessed to have been able to get close enough to see them.

Now, let us consider this question:

Do we treat Jesus as a King?

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Do we consider His laws and commandments as absolute, under punishment of death? Or do we find ways to water them down and make them fit into the lifestyles which we choose and the choices we make?Unfortunately, this is true of many people. They make excuses for not doing things their faith tells them they should do or for doing the wrong things by saying "God understands.", or "I cannot believe that a God who loves me would ask me to xxx". We often justify our actions based on the fact that 'it feels right'. Many are saying that the Church needs to modernize. What would Jesus say if He walked the earth now, in modern times? God doesn't change...His laws do not change...right and wrong do not change. This could mean not sticking them could mean our death...an eternal death.

Are we loyal to Him, would we defend Him/our faith to the death, if necessary?
How many of us stand up for God when others are blaspheming against Him in our presence? Would you? Would you be afraid of alienating others or, worse, victimization? Would you continue to go to Church, worship or hold bible studies in public if it were dangerous to you? I think of those who are being persecuted for their faith, right now in these modern times. If you thought this is ancient history, read this article...watch this video. Praise God that most of us still have the freedom to worship our God, but a frightening trend is beginning to take hold of our world. In the name of 'political correctness' or 'freedom of rights' and many other names, the supremacy of God, the absolute infallibility of His laws is being undermined and threatened. Where are we going to stand if the time comes to make a stand?

Are we willing to wear our faith as outer garments?
Do people look at us and see that we are Christians?  Are we bold enough to proclaim it? I have often seen those bumper stickers on cars saying things like 'Prayer is the answer.', 'Choose Jesus!' or 'Jesus is my co-pilot'. Sometimes the people driving were less than considerate users of the road and I have thought to myself  "This is why I will never put one of those on my car". Hmm...am I making excuses for myself...afraid to be advertise my faith? Perhaps an outward sign such as this would encourage me to drive courteously on the roads.

What of t-shirts that have signs or slogans that may not be popular opinion? A few years ago we participated in a walk against abortion and purchased t-shirts that said 'Abortion is murder'. After the walk, I put mine away, reluctant to wear it out in public...telling myself that it was because I did't want to  many anyone else feel uncomfortable. After all, who knows which person one may encounter may have made that choice. Hmm...am I just making excuses for not standing up for my beliefs?

Do we pay our 'taxes' for His support?
Okay...so God really doesn't want our money, but His churches do...to feed  and clothe the poor,  the homeless and ill. Are we feeding His Body by tithing...not just our money, but our time and talent too? Even the widow's mite was welcome...you may not be able to give much but every little bit counts. Many times it is the 'human resource' that is most needed. Someone to carry out the actual 'feeding',  'clothing' and visiting. Maybe your church needs someone to usher, or do collection or sing in the choir. There are many ways to 'pay our taxes' and serve God.

Our King will come to claim His Kingdom
Some day our King will come again in glory as is told in the Book of Revelations. He will come to separate the goat from the sheep. Who will He pick as His loyal subjects? Who will He consider worthy to share in His Kingdom? When that day comes, I pray that we will all have had the fortitude to have lived our lives in a manner pleasing to Him so we can enjoy a blissful eternity praising and worshipping God.