King of the World

When I opened the back door, I heard a small voice yell, “I’m king of the world.”  In a yard nearby a small boy perched about eight feet high on top of his backyard playground equipment.  With tousled hair, smudged cheeks, and torn jeans, he was quite an unlikely looking king of the world.

Jesus, too, came as an unlikely king.  In His day, He was expected to be a great and powerful king who would be victorious in vanquishing the Roman conquerors.  As a king He would be expected to have certain qualities: wealth, power, authority, and the ability to conquer with force. On the surface, it didn’t appear that Jesus had any of these powers.  As a carpenter and son of a carpenter, he certainly was not wealthy.  As an Israelite living in a conquered country, he had no political power, nor did he have an army of men providing military might.  Just like the little boy on his playground equipment, His authority appeared limited—He used none over Caiaphas, the high priest, or over the Pharisees or the Roman rulers who put Him to death.

But looking below the surface, one can see Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was, and is, King of the world.  Those who know Him realize that He has wealth far greater than we can imagine—even His streets are paved with gold.  He is far greater than any king or

army that ever existed or ever will exist, for His might created all the heavens and the earth, every animal and plant imaginable, the highest mountains and the deepest oceans. 

He is commander-in-chief of a host of heavenly angels who would have rescued Him from crucifixion if He had commanded it.  His power is far beyond our ability to comprehend, and His authority is endless.  Even while He was on earth as a man, He had the authority to calm the waves of the sea.  Think what authority He commands now, reigning at God’s right hand!  Yes, He was an unlikely king of the world, but He is our King of kings and Lord of lords.  He has wealth, power, and authority, but he chooses to conquer with humility, sacrifice, and love.

Almighty Father, King of creation and King of my life, even though You have all power and authority in heaven and earth, You do not abuse your authority or force your subjects into submission.  Thank You for giving each of us the choice to yield to Your authority.  Give us the wisdom to choose wisely.

            Question: If you truly believe with all your heart and mind that Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords, in what areas of your life might you yield to your Lord and King?