By Not Known
There has been much talk and news about our upcoming presidential election. Amidst the controversies and rumours, many hearts have been stirred up for or against different potential candidates. The role and functions of our elected president have also evolved, and might differ with other countries. In fact, there are almost 30 countries in the world today which are still considered kingdoms or monarchies. There have also been recent popular dramas of ancient eras of kings and queens battling for thrones and power. What is our obsession or fascination with royal leadership? How does this relate to our Christian lives?
Paul describes Jesus in this way, “For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him … And He is the Head of the body, the church … so that in everything He might have the supremacy.” (Col. 1:16, 18)
What does it mean for Christ to be supreme? Other versions describe it as “to have first place in everything.” In our day-to-day lives, is Jesus the King of kings? The Lord of lords? God does not want some place in our lives, He demands first place in our lives. To some, this might seem too harsh or selfish of God, too extreme and absolute for others’ liking. Yet, God is God whether we like it or not; Jesus is sovereign and has been exalted to the highest place, and one day every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord (Phil. 2:9-11).
Yet in the supremacy of Christ, the wonder and beauty of it all is that God chose to send His one and only Son: the King of kings, to be incarnate and dwell among mankind, to lead a perfect, sinless life, and to pay the penalty for our sins, to restore unto us our relationship with God. He is not a dictator or an evil tyrant, He desires relationship with His people. He is the Head of the body, the church, not as an uncaring or demanding autocrat, but as a loving bridegroom, and we His bride. He intercedes for us even now in heaven, and welcomes us to His throne of grace, to receive His mercy and grace in times of need (Heb. 4:16).
How can we respond? Firstly, we need to surrender – our lives, our all, to the goodness and grace of our Lord and Saviour. Secondly, we can then be free to serve Him out of the gratitude and love that flows from knowing His deep love for us, the love that led Him to obey His Father’s will to die on the cross for the sins of the world, for you and I. We love, because He first loved us (1 Jn. 4:19). As the lyrics of the song goes,
Your majesty, I can’t but bow.
I lay my all before You now.
In royal robes I don’t deserve.
I live to serve Your majesty.