The Concept of the King - Part 1

There are times when I think that America was a bit hasty in tossing off the monarchy concept entirely at our founding. Not that I have any desire to be ruled by kings or queens or any other strain of local royalty, but there are some practical reasons for a token monarchy even in this day and age. I would much rather have a charming, well-bred sophisticate representing the nation at sporting and humanitarian event than a president. Having very little power to deliver anything, expectations would be limited from the start, as would the temptation to promise the impossible. A king or queen would also not feel duty-bound to verbally assault his political opponents at every event. I think that would make him an instant favorite on the national scene, and improve the level of civility in politics immensely.

One of the main characteristics of royalty that has faded from memory over time, particularly in the West, is the notion of sovereignty. This is hardly surprising. Most Western nations have had some level of democracy for centuries. We are a people of discussion and consensus. The idea of absolute authority, or any absolutes for that matter, is frightening to people today. Though millions of others may still live under similar conditions today, they are far from us. Dwelling too hard on the fact induces a moral reaction akin to nausea, so we do not. We simply go on ordering our worlds according to our own perceptions and concepts, of which royalty has no part. And in doing so, we miss a great opportunity for understanding.

The Lord is a king. More than that, the Lord is THE King. The Lord is sovereign. He was the original king, and the authority by which many others, rightly or wrongly, claimed the authority for their kingship. He is the one who is worthy, not only of worship, but of obedience. He sets the standard, because He is the standard.

The church has often gone to great lengths to assure the world of the mercy and tenderness of Christ, the love and forgiveness available. I understand the reasoning. This aspect of God's character was so important that He demonstrated it by coming and dying for all mankind. As such, it can never be over-emphasized, and that's the truth. And here's another truth: God is still a King.

If we embrace Christ as Savior, but reject Him as Lord, we still are trusting in only half a God. That can have consequences.