Good morning and happy seis de Mayo. It is hard to believe but the much-anticipated day has finally arrived. People all over the world have been watching the monumental occasion that is taking place in England today. It is the long-awaited coronation of King Charles the III. Dignitaries from around the globe have assembled to participate in this event filled with pomp and circumstance, long-standing tradition, and a mix of religion for good measure. It is estimated that this event will cost as much as $ 160 million. The last coronation took place 70 years ago, so this is a big deal for many. Some in the UK will even have a holiday on Monday in recognition of this. So, at the end of the day, what will be the impact on the world? Well, not much actually. According to the BBC, “The King is the UK head of state. However, his powers are symbolic and ceremonial, and he remains politically neutral.” The king is also considered the head of the Church of England and Defender of the Faith. However, Charles has expressed a more inclusive desire to the defender of faiths, reflecting the multicultural and multi-faith reality of the UK and the Commonwealth. So much for that tradition. Anyway, the king will get to host lots of parties, make speeches, participate in a wide variety of traditional activities, be kept abreast of political events, and continue to live lavishly.
As I thought about this, I couldn’t help but reflect on the position that Jesus has in many people’s lives. For those of us in America, the King of England really doesn’t matter all that much in our daily lives. For a growing number of people, King Jesus doesn’t matter that much either. He has been relegated to a symbolic or ceremonial position, perhaps even a throwback to a bygone era. For some, there is a moment where Jesus was celebrated. Maybe at a point of decision, a baptism, confirmation or whatever. Similar to today’s celebration for King Charles. But soon thereafter, life went back to normal. In reality, it didn’t really impact our day to day lives all that much. But that is not how it is supposed to be. When we acknowledge Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords, it is to be a life-changing event and not simply a photo-op. When Jesus is your Savior and Lord, it is not a mere tradition with a mix of religion, rather it is the source of eternal life. Instead of the common phrase, “God save the king,” we acknowledge that the true King came to save us. As remarkable as it may seem, Jesus did not come to live lavishly but to lavish His love upon us when He died on the cross for our sins. “For God loved the world in this way: He gavehis one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16, CSB). When Jesus began His earthly ministry, He declared, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 4:17, CSB). It only seems logical that if there is a kingdom then there is also a king, and Jesus is His name. While He was still very young, the wise men came searching for the one who was born, King of the Jews.” When He was crucified, they placed a sign on the cross that declared Him to be, “The King of the Jews.” In between those two events, Jesus spent His life on this earth declaring the Good News of the kingdom of God. At the triumphal entry, the people wanted Him to be an earthly king. However, His kingdom encompasses all of creation and will never end. So how does one become part of His kingdom? Here is what Jesus shared with Nicodemus in John 3: Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”(John 3:3, CSB).
Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven! (Matthew 21:9, CSB).
From our neighborhoods to the nations,
Pastor Larry
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