If you follow national news at all, you\u2019ve probably heard about the \u201cNo Kings\u201d protests. The participants are voicing their disapproval of the way the president is running the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But when I see signs that read \u201cNo Kings,\u201d I think of another issue\u2014a much deeper, spiritual problem. We humans don\u2019t really want any kind of authority telling us what to do or not do. We want to reign supreme in a kingdom of our own making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, when the Bible talks about Jesus being king, we may pull back a bit. Aren\u2019t kings authoritarians who do want they want to do, regardless of the cost to others? Aren\u2019t kings so powerful that no one can place any restrictions on them? Throughout history, some kings have acted with that kind of impunity, which often led to horrific injustice and oppression. As British historian John Dalberg-Acton famously said, \u201cAbsolute power corrupts absolutely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But Jesus isn\u2019t that kind of king, and there\u2019s no reason for us to fear His absolute rule in our world and in our lives. Yes, as Hebrews 1:3 says, Jesus \u201cupholds the universe by the word of his power\u201d (ESV). And as Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:15, Jesus is \u201cthe King of kings and Lord of lords.\u201d However, King Jesus is also the one who \u201cloves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood\u201d (Revelation 1:5). His rule is characterized by justice and righteousness (Isaiah 9:7), and because He loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3), every aspect of His reign is governed by what is in our best interest as citizens of His kingdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, what does Jesus\u2019s kingship mean to you and me on a personal, daily basis? First, we have access to His presence. The King of the Universe welcomes us anytime, day or night, to bring our requests to Him. He is never too tired or too busy to listen to what\u2019s on our heart and respond. What a privilege!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Second, the King of the Universe invites us to participate in His reign by advancing His kingdom values and plans. He has also equipped us with everything we need to do what He has assigned us (Hebrews 13:21). What a responsibility!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Third, the King of the Universe is the most forgiving boss we\u2019ll ever have. \u201cHis mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning,\u201d Jeremiah tells us (Lamentations 3:22\u201323). What a blessing! No matter how many times we mess up, King Jesus says, \u201cI forgive you. Try again tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In other words, Jesus\u2019s kingship is one of the best gifts we could ever receive. It means that we can become the people God designed us to be. We can also live the abundant life Jesus made possible by coming to earth as a human baby, modeling godliness for thirty-three years, dying to pay our sin debt, and then rising from the dead to reign as our king.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I don\u2019t know about you, but that makes me want to hold up a sign that says, \u201cYes, Kings!\u201d\u2014as long as that king is Jesus.<\/p>\n