Photo by Paul Zoetemeijer on Unsplash
Dear Fellow Subjects,
It’s hard to think of ourselves as subjects. Most think of “subject” as a topic in school or of personal interest … math, politics, sports, auto mechanics, computers and technology. From American History, most of us recall that, refusing to be subject to a king, we declared our independence from kings in 1776 and fought a war of revolution to earn independence. So, in one respect, we’re no longer subjects.
This fierce American independent streak continues. And, by our influence, it continues in many parts of the world where our nation fought to secure independence from rulers in the name of freedom. This “independent” streak runs deep … unfortunately.
Unfortunately?! Yes, because despite our belief that we’re independent – no longer subjects to any king or ruler, privileged to choose our own leaders – we’re still subjects … subjects to the King of kings, Lord of lords, Jesus Christ.
Today, the last day of the church year, is Christ the King Day. Today we pledge our allegiance to … a king … the King of kings … Jesus Christ. All people, like it or not … whether President of the United States, Queen of England, Supreme Leader of North Korea, or a person stuck in traffic on Route 4 in Calvert County Maryland … are subjects to a king. We’re all subjects to the King, Jesus Christ. Paul makes this abundantly clear writing, “(God our Father) has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,” (Colossians 3:13) who is Jesus Christ. It doesn’t matter if you’re Donald Trump, Queen Elizabeth, Kim Jong-un, or Jim Kent, “For by Him (Jesus Christ) all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether on thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities” (Colossians 3:16) … or those in rush hour traffic … by the Word made Flesh (John 1:14), all were created … and are subject to their creator, King Jesus.
A “king” rules over his dominion. He states the rule of law and enforces it through his words. By his words, his subjects’ loyalty is measured. Those who trust their king – following his word – are judged loyal. Those who don’t trust the king – following others’ words – are judged disloyal. However, in executing his judgment, a king also has the privilege of granting mercy as he sees fit, forgiving those who, though disloyal at times, understand their disloyalty, repent, and declare their allegiance once again.
While there are kings, presidents, prime ministers, and supreme leaders, there is only one “King of kings” … Jesus. So, when we’re caught between what different kings might say, only the King’s word matters … that’s the Word of God. In times of conflict between ourselves and the kings of this world remember what God’s servant Joshua said to the nation Israel, “Choose this day whom you will serve … as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). In baptism, God declares us to be King Jesus’ subjects. Whenever we momentarily commit treason, sinning against Him, He is merciful to forgive us all of our sins (1 John 1:9). When He returns as promised, He’ll bring us and all His loyal subjects into His eternal kingdom.
Subject of Christ,
Pastor Jim