Christ Our King

What is a King?

Church participation time: what do they do? What images come to mind?

My own fascination with English imagery of royalty, castles, etc.

Ancient concept of a king

Context of city-states, walled towns and cities.

A protector. Personally leads the army. Recruits soldiers from his people. Defends against those who wish his people and lands harm. Peace negotiator. Unifier.

A provider. Made sure there was land to grow food, access to water, natural resources. Trade with other people.

A servant of all. Reminds me of my manager, “my job to make sure you have everything you need to do your job.”

A good king is not about himself, but he is about his kingdom.

What does this suggest about a kingdom

A kingdom is a place of

Prosperity. When the “lowest” person in the kingdom is doing well, everyone is doing well. God’s economy is different than our. Not a prosperity gospel. “The least of these.”

Influence. Not in the social media sense. Nor in the sense of winning-over or having control over/manipulation. Mafia or the government. Influence in presence. “Blessed are the meek.” Power under control.

Refuge. The strength of the kingdom becomes the strength of the individual seeking refuge. Rock Coney. “Come unto me...” “In Christ...”

Christ Our King

Christ is, of course, the best King leading the best kingdom. Jesus is and does all of these things as does His Kingdom. More than that, what stands out in our reading today, is that Christ is our king. He is in, amongst, and around His people.

The Readings

Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Psalm 46:5 “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.”

Psalm 46:7 “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah”

Jeremiah 23:5–6 (ESV)

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’

“In” language all throughout Colossians 1:11-20, ending with making peace.

Luke 23:37 Jesus wasn’t there to save himself, He was, as a King, there to save His people.

v 43, not “you will be in paradise,” but “ you will be with me in paradise.”

If Christ Our King is in, with, and amongst us, what does that mean for us?

Covenant and Kingdom handout.

Not only is God our refuge, so is His kingdom.

Jesus is not a King on a far-off throne just sitting and basking in our worship. Because He is God, He is in and among His people in the power of the Spirit. He is still building, protecting, and providing. We can prosper in His economy,

Christ Our King