Kneel before your King!

I am deeply suspicious of institutional power!  A person who is handed authority without any checks or balances in place is almost certain to eventually become a tyrant. History tells us that ‘power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”  Those who gain power tend to hold onto it and turn their position into a place for enriching themselves.  But there is One whose power I love and to Whom I willingly submit because He loves me and uses His sovereignty for my  good. He is my King. Jesus Christ, my Savior and King! 

"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Timothy 1:17, NIV)

That doxology was first written to pastor Timothy who found ministry difficult. Paul opens his letter to him urging him to stand up to the false teachers that opposed him and reminding him that God is greater than his own personal temptations.  Paul buttresses His appeal with a short testimony of his own. "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life." (1 Timothy 1:15-16, NIV)  Then, he breaks into this shout of worship - "Deep honor and bright glory to the King of All Time— One God, Immortal, Invisible, ever and always. Oh, yes! " (1 Timothy 1:17, The Message)  If you’re where you can do it, read that line loudly, joyfully, declaring to all the world your praise for the King!

I love Jesus, the Man, who I meet in the Gospels. From those pages the mystery of “God Immanuel” (God present in my life) is handed to me. By faith, I receive that truth that He is my Savior.  The revelation of Jesus’ identity is not complete in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  In Revelation, we meet the Christ, the King.  Do you know this Jesus? "They (the evil of the world) will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” (Revelation 17:14, NIV) "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean." (Revelation 19:11-14, NIV)  When I read that my heart leaps with joy, my faith stirs. 

He is a King who loves me, who uses His power benevolently for me. He will not oppress me. He raises me up. He extends His power to protect me and promises to bring me into His kingdom, under His reign. Is He YOUR King, too?  Today, I took all my trials, my fears, my foes and petitioned my King to intervene. What a release from fear and despair I found at the Throne of God.

As we celebrate Advent, worship the Jesus, our Immanuel here, and do not forget to “Crown Him King!”   

"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Timothy 1:17, NIV

___________

Hark the herald angels sing
Glory to the Newborn King
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled
Joyful all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem
Hark the herald angels sing
Glory to the Newborn King