History is full of corrupt, power hungry, immoral, wicked kings. British historian Lord Acton famously said, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Our own nation began with rebellion and revolt against a tyrannical king. We literally declared that we have the right to reject the king and rule ourselves, thank you very much.
So, what is a Christian to do with King Jesus?
We know Jesus is not like other kings. He’s not greedy, merciless, or arrogant. Indeed, he is exactly the opposite of that.
Charles Spurgeon said in his 1862 Christmas message, “It is not a Caesar that is born today; He will never trample down our fields with his armies, or slaughter our flocks for his courtiers. He will be the poor man’s friend, the people’s monarch.”
Scripture describes him as Brother Jesus, Teacher Jesus, and Friend Jesus. But just because he’s those things does not diminish the fact that he is absolutely also King Jesus.
He is the All-powerful Majesty and Ruler of the Cosmos. As such, he has not only the right, but the responsibility to rule and reign however he sees fit. He is absolutely the boss of you and me and everyone.
Yet most of the world shuns King Jesus. “I have the right to rule myself.” My own little declaration of independence. Me first, my way. Cosmic treason. Sin.
Maybe this doesn’t seem like much of a Christmas message, but it is.
When Jesus came the first time, a tiny little baby in the flesh, he proved to us he is not like other kings. He is meek and lowly. Willing to sacrifice himself and do for us what we could not do for ourselves.
He came to save sinners. To pardon people guilty of cosmic treason. Heaven’s King bringing peace on earth and mercy mild. God and sinners, reconciled.
That was his first coming.
At Christmas we celebrate baby Jesus. And we worship. Because of the mystery that he was then, and always has been, and always will be The Word of God. Immanuel. Very God of Very God.
One day that same Jesus is coming back. This time in power. This time looking like the rightful King that He is. What a glorious day that will be.
Until then,
Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
late in time behold him come,
offspring of the Virgin’s womb:
veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
hail th’incarnate Deity,
pleased as man with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel.
Hark the herald angels sing
“Glory to the Newborn King!”
Bless you,
