Prayer-Soldier Newbie
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Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2016 11:55 am Post subject: The Blessings of the King of Kings |
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The Blessings of the King of Kings
Scripture:
Then all the tribes of Israel came to David in Hebron, saying: Behold we are your bone and your flesh. Moreover yesterday also and the day before, when Saul was king over us, you were he that did lead out and bring in Israel: and the Lord said to you: You shall feed my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel. The ancients also of Israel came to the king of Hebron, and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the Lord: and they anointed David to be king over Israel. (2 Samuel 5:1-3)
Giving thanks to God the Father, who has made us worthy to be partakers of the lot of the saints in light: Who has delivered us from the power of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love, in whom we have redemption through his blood, the remission of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For in him were all things created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominations, or principalities, or powers. All things were created by him and in him. And he is before all: and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he may hold the primacy: Because in him, it has well pleased the Father that all fullness should dwell: And through him to reconcile all things unto himself, making peace through the blood of his cross, both as to the things that are on earth and the things that are in heaven. (Colossians 1:12-20)
And the people stood beholding. And the rulers with them derided him, saying: He saved others: let him save himself, if he be Christ, the elect of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him and offering him vinegar, and saying: If you be the king of the Jews, save yourself. And there was also a superscription written over him in letters of Greek and Latin and Hebrew THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. And one of those robbers who were hanged blasphemed him, saying: If you be Christ, save yourself and us. But the other answering, rebuked him, saying: Neither do you fear God, seeing; you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly: for we receive the due reward of our deeds. But this man has done no evil. And he said to Jesus: Lord, remember me when you shall come into your kingdom. And Jesus said to him: Amen I say to you: This day you shall be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:35-43)
Reflection:
The leader who has faith in the Lord will be enabled by Him to do great things and to lead the people in all which is right and just. The leaders who follow what God teaches will bring strength, civility, peace, prosperity and joy to the people. Such leaders will enable the people to stand firm against evil, lead them to care for one another, with charity and love, and encourage them according to the blessings of His Holy Word. The blessed leader will bless the people. The people, in turn, will bless their leader, as well as one another, but more importantly, all will receive blessings as they turn to the Lord.
So many leaders fail to bring blessings for they fall to the temptations and corruptions of the evil one. They seek to be served rather than to serve. We should not be surprised, for the failings of such men and women are our failings as well. We fail because we do not pray for those who lead us. We fail because we have our own corrupt desires. We fail because we fall to our own temptations. We fail when we ask what must be done for us, but do not contribute to the work required to care for those who are less fortunate than ourselves. (Matthew 25:31-46)
So that we might understand, God sent His only begotten Son. As the King of kings, He stooped to wash the feet of His disciples. As He did so, He told them, "I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do." (John 13:15) He taught them that the greatest of leaders is the servant leader, the one who cares for those who are led.
So it was, He came into the world in a mean estate. He was not wrapped in royal fabrics as befitting One who is Lord of lords. He did not command with a scepter, royal seal, and great armies; rather, He led the people with a much greater power, the power of His eternal love. Neither did He leave this world with the ceremonies befitting One who is King of kings. He was scourged, mocked, wore a crown of thorns, and carried His cross as He walked to the place where He would become the ultimate sacrifice, the sacrifice for our sins so our souls may be spared the punishment of the eternal abyss.
Through all which He taught and all which He did, He lived as an example for us. Even from upon the cross, Jesus ministered to those who would hear. He forgave the thief who hung beside Him and spoke to Him with a contrite heart. By His life, death, and resurrection; He purchased for us a place within His kingdom; a place to which He invites all who follow Him. Though we are stained by sin, through His sacrifice, we have the opportunity to be forgiven our failings and cleansed of our iniquities. It is by His blood our robes may be washed white (Revelation 7:14) so that we may be purified and prepared to enter into His kingdom where love is shared by all and where evil and affliction is not allowed to follow. Let us, then, lift up our hearts in thanks and praise for the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Servant Leader who paid for our sins so we might have eternal life in the kingdom of the heaven.
Questions for further reflection:
What do we expect of a servant leader?
What should a servant leader expect of us?
Why would Jesus give salvation to a thief?
May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier
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