By definition a king is the highest authority. No one and nothing has more power than the king, and anyone who threatens a king’s authority is in danger of making the king angry.
Lots of people wanted to be the king in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. When Jesus was born, “king” Herod was on the throne in Jerusalem. When wise men from the east asked where to find the newborn king, Herod saw Jesus as a threat to his authority and tried to kill all of the baby boys in the land.
Years later when Jesus was grown, another Herod, a son of the earlier Herod, was on the throne in Jerusalem. At the same time the city was under the power of Rome where Caesar was the “king,” and Caesar’s governor for the area was Pontias Pilate. When people began to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, once again He was seen as a threat to royal authority and once again earthly kings sought to take His life. They sentenced Him to die on a cross.
Symbols of earthly kings were forced on Jesus. Soldiers draped Him in purple cloth and pressed a crown of thorns on His head. A sign calling Him “King of the Jews” was fastened to the cross above His head. Of course, none of this was done to honor Christ. People were mocking Him. They rejected the King of kings so that they could flatter themselves and honor earthly kings.
We have the same choice to make today. Will we honor the King of kings, or will we bow to earthly rulers? Henry Francis Lyte stated his position clearly in the words of his hymn Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven.
Praise, my soul, the King of heaven,
to the throne thy tribute bring;
ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
evermore God’s praises sing.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King.
Make the best choice. Choose to join Lyte in praising the King of heaven on our journey to the foot of the cross.
Follow the Path!
CARadke
[Use with Challenge of Kings, day 45 of A Labyrinth Pilgrimage]