The King

Identity Found in God

The King and the Kingdom
The King
The King’s People
The Kingdom on Earth
The Law
Living with the Attitude of Christ

The King
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And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!  Philippians 2:8
 
What flashes through your mind as you visualize a King?  A flashy robe; a throne; a crown of jewels; fine dining; servants who wait on you hand and foot; a palace richly adorned with the best of the best.  These descriptions definitely match the lifestyle of a king – those back in the Old Testament all the way to modern day kings.  What are some other characteristics of a king?  I looked up the question, “What are qualities of a good king?” and here are some things I found:  calm and centered, decisive, hardworking, well spoken, wise, able to protect and maintain order, has personal integrity, just, fair, sets an example, achieves kingship by birthright.
 
This sounds like the kind of person I would want to reign.  The Israelites were so determined to seek someone to come and deliver them.  They went through their share of kings, of a messiah – someone who would serve as a leader and savior of their group.  Days, months, years, decades, centuries went by as their search continued.  Human kings came and went.
 
Then, just as God planned, from the line of David, the Messiah was born.  Jesus Christ, the King of all kings, came to lead and save His people.  This Messiah, born in the midst of hay and animals, entered the world with a power and authority that came straight from God.  He fulfilled the prophecy that a descendent in the line of King David would be king, a king who would take charge and overthrow those who oppressed the people.  Jesus was sent from heaven to save them.  To be the one to accomplish what no earthly king had yet done – provide complete freedom. 
 
Character-wise, He fit the description – full of integrity, well-spoken, calm, centered, just, decisive.  He knew His mission, and oh how He knew His Kingdom.  He reigned with power and authority.  What He didn’t do was maybe what they expected – come in, rally the troops and attack.  His tactics were different.  He was sovereign and wise, and there was power and strength in each word and move He made.  He rightfully deserved the throne that was from the line of David, but His kingship was also, and more importantly, passed on to Him from God Himself.  This King left His throne in heaven to establish His Kingdom on earth.  Unfathomable!
 
Our King of kings walked this earth, not in ornate jewels and a flashy robe.  He didn’t demand to be waited on and pampered – in fact, it was quite the opposite.  There was something different about Him.  He washed other people’s feet.  What a beautiful, pure and perfect example Jesus portrayed.  He spoke of the law of His land, teaching and modeling how to behave.  He knew what was needed, when it was needed to accomplish exactly what was needed to be done or said.  He brought comfort and love.  He brought a sense of security for those who followed Him.  All of this was done in a way that looked different – in a Jesus kind of way.
 
What kind of king are you allowing to rule in your life?  There are many people, ways of life, or beliefs that can easily move in and take the place of King Jesus.  Dig your way to your core and consider who or what you turn to for security?  Consider the kind of king Jesus is – a king that looks like no worldly king, and yet He is our Messiah.  Do you allow Him to reign in your life?  Do you name Him and recognize that Jesus is the One?  The One who knows best.  Come and reign in us.  Rule over our thoughts and ways.  Your ways are better.