Christ the King (reprinted from 11/19/2019) "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" Luke 19:38 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14
This Sunday is Christ the King Sunday! It is a day when we remember the Infant King announced by the angels and worshiped by Magi and shepherds. We call to mind the palm branches and the cries of Hosanna! as a Peasant King came into the holy city of Jerusalem. We recoil in shock and shame as we gaze upon a Crucified King, dying that we might be reconciled to God. And we celebrate our Risen King who calls us to new life...resurrected life, empowered by the holy spirit.
A challenge for me is living in, and into, this new life. I continue to find hold outs and strongholds in my life where the embers of rebellion occasionally threaten to burst into flame. I need the daily reminder that Jesus is King and that I am not. The daily practice of humbly surrendering my will to him and allowing him to have is way with me…that His will, not mine be done. Are there areas in your life that still want to hold out…to barricade against the life Christ our King so freely offers? How might your life be different if you surrender all and pledge allegiance to the King of kings and Lord of lords! Blessings,
Matthew+ Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well‑beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (BCP p. 236) |