Choosing Your King (originally written in observance of Christ the King Sunday)

The rulers sneered at Jesus and said,
"He saved others, let him save himself
if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God."
Even the soldiers jeered at him.
As they approached to offer him wine they called out,
"If you are King of the Jews, save yourself."
Above him there was an inscription that read,
"This is the King of the Jews."
Luke 23:35-38

What does it mean to be King?

Israel had 43 kings over the course of 340 years. From the first king, Saul, to Zedekiah, the last king before the exile in Babylon, the nation of Israel experienced alternating periods of peace and crisis during their reigns. It seems that may be true in any monarchy. In between Saul and Zedkiah there were more well-known kings like David and Solomon and many more whose names are far less familiar. According to one source, 43 countries or sovereign states around the world still are governed by some form of monarchy today. Kings and queens are not a thing of the past.

Quite apart from kingship and monarchies in the world, what can be said about Christ as King? Perhaps the most notable place where we see Christ referred to as king is in the Gospels, where we see Christ taunted and jeered and His kingship challenged at His crucifixion. In that narrative we again hear the words “... if you are King of the Jews, save yourself” (vs 37). So many questioned his authenticity. Clearly, those who were part of the crucifixion (and perhaps some of those simply witnessing Christ’s death), believed that someone who is “king” can do anything, including saving himself from death. The supposition was seemingly that being King is about infinite power.

But there is more to being king than just wielding power or silently enduring jeers and taunts, and we saw those characteristics in Christ, throughout scripture. Effective kings show compassion, stand for truth, can be decisive (if not confrontational) in the moment, listen and communicate well, challenge others with kindness and love, promote unity, and stay connected to God. Authority and credibility aren’t built solely on power, but rather on love, humility, and compassion, expressed in countless ways.

What does this have to do with you and me and our relationship with Christ the King? My question today is, who or what is king of your/my life? Are we trying to be our own “king”, wielding power that is prideful, arrogant, and/or misused? Are our lives focused on accumulating things rather than nurturing and cherishing meaningful and caring relationships? Are we tied to the “king” of technology in our digital world, at great cost to our relationships with others? Do we seek to be like Christ the King or do we spew tyranny and hate in our interactions with others? Are you, am I, embracing the love and forgiveness of Christ the King, just as the criminal who was crucified beside Jesus did? When was the last time you or I prayed and asked that Christ remember you/me (vs 42) and to bring us to the place He has prepared for us, where we live forever? After all, He is a merciful King.

Think about what and who rules your life. I pray that we show to the world the face of Christ the King, by who we are and how we show kindness, compassion, and love to others.

Prayer: Christ, our King, help us to share compassion through the choices we make in life and how we embrace and live Gospel values. You have shown us the way. Help us always to claim you as the King of our lives. Amen.

Submitted by Carol DeSchepper, LFCNA Executive Director