Blessed Are We for the King of Kings

Prayer-Soldier

Blessed Are We for the King of Kings

Scripture:

I beheld therefore in the vision of the night, and lo, one like the son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and he came even to the Ancient of days: and they presented him before him. And he gave him power, and glory, and a kingdom: and all peoples, tribes and tongues shall serve him: his power is an everlasting power that shall not be taken away: and his kingdom that shall not be destroyed.
(Daniel 7:13-14)

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth, who has loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and has made us a kingdom, and priests to God and his Father, to him be glory and empire for ever and ever. Amen. Behold, he comes with the clouds, and every eye shall see him, and they also that pierced him. And all the tribes of the earth shall bewail themselves because of him. Even so. Amen.

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, says the Lord God, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.
( Revelation 1:5-8 )

Pilate therefore went into the hall again, and called Jesus, and said to him: Are you the king of the Jews? Jesus answered: Say you this thing of yourself, or have others told it to you of me? Pilate answered: Am I a Jew? Your own nation, and the chief priests, have delivered you up to me: what have you done?

Jesus answered: My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would certainly strive that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now my kingdom is not from hence. Pilate therefore said to him: Are you a king then? Jesus answered: You say that I am a king. For this was I born, and for this came I into the world; that I should give testimony to the truth. Every one that is of the truth, hears my voice.
(John 18:33-37)

Reflection:

Generations past reveal times of kings beloved by their people, for such monarchs were protectors of the realm and rulers of prosperity. They did what was right and just and led the people in all which was right and just so that all might share in the blessings bestowed upon them by God.

Too often, though, history also reveals kings who abused their power as well as their people. They ruled without regard for their subjects. Instead, they placed heavy burdens of law and taxes upon the shoulders of those who lived in the realm. Through selfish desires and greed, such kings consumed prosperity rather than encouraged it. The result of their excesses and tyranny was a kingdom in ruins where violence and misery prevailed. Only a select few benefited from the fruits of the realm, but even they would eventually suffer from the wages of injustice. Power corrupts the souls of such weak leaders and their courts for in their pursuit of power; justice, compassion, civility, and charity are set aside.

A time came where the people grew tired of those who abused them. The people raised up ideas of government and social order, but over the generations, even in the lands declared to be of the people and for the people, corruption reigns and the innocent suffer. The systems of people fail when they ignore the ways of God. Even hearts filled with good intentions find themselves darkened with corruption. In little ways they begin to compromise their honesty and integrity until the day comes where power becomes their god and darkness fills their heart.

The greatest of rulers have tried to hold in place systems of what is right and just, and while some have done better than others, corruption constantly rises to take its toll. If it is not found within the heart of the monarch, it is found in their underlings who lie in wait to betray hearts of righteousness.

There is but One who is stronger than the one who works tirelessly to corrupt the soul. That is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He knows all which is right and just, for He is the Word made flesh. He is the one who could not be corrupted no matter what was offered in temptation. (cf. Matthew 4:1-11)

Such a King was sent to walk among us, but corrupted hearts crucified Him; not just the hearts which rendered the sentence, or pounded the nails, but every heart across the generations which allows sin. The One of mercy, hope, and justice was hung upon a cross, but death could not consume Him. Through a greater power, the power of love and the mercy of God, He conquered death.

It is only the incorruptible Heart which yields hope. It is the Heart sacrificed for us so we might be forgiven of our corruption so we may have the opportunity to be cleansed of our iniquities. It is only by the grace of God we have such hope. Only the King of kings and Lord of lords has the power to wipe away our every tear. (cf. Isaiah 25:8, Revelation 7:17, 24:4) Let us, then, turn to Him in hope and lift up our hearts in thanks and praise for His great glory. Let us pray for His coming so we might receive His embrace and so we may wash our robes white in the blood of the Lamb. (cf. Revelation 7:9-17)

Questions for further reflection:

In what ways may we encourage that which is right and just?

To whom may we look for guidance as we navigate the path of life?

To whom may we look to learn the truth of God?

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier