King
… and he began to teach them.
Summary: It is important to understand who it is who is teaching us the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus is more than an itinerant rabbi, he also happens to be a king.
In the Book of Revelation, John describes Jesus this way:
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS, LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19: 11-16)
In this picture of Jesus, we see all the power of a king on full display. We need to remember that Jesus is God and that he is our Creator. It is also important to remember that he is a king. And not just any king, but the KING OF KINGS.
The notion of a king involves many things; majesty, honor, and glory. But it also involves raw power. The God of the universe and Creator of All Things can unleash power on a scale beyond human imagination. Nothing can or will stand against him. Only by his grace and mercy can we pretend we don’t have to submit, but the time is coming when those who have rejected him will be confronted with the ultimate power.
Understanding this requires that we understand our eternal nature. We are not just a collection of atoms or random DNA proteins. We are divinely constructed beings, given the gifts of both physical and spiritual existence. When the physical veil is lifted, our spiritual nature will become apparent to us even though our spiritual nature is always clear to God throughout our physical life.
Application: It is wise to keep in mind that while our bodies will someday die, the essence of who we are lives on, and our eternal existence will depend on our relationship with The King.
Food for Thought: How does John’s portrait of Jesus as King fit with your understanding of who Jesus is?
When I was in my 20’s I was very interested in martial arts. I took various classes trying to learn this skill. Now a days I couldn’t fight my way out of a wet paper bag, but one thing I always remembered is that I was taught never to display my skills until absolutely necessary. That true “power” was held back until in was appropriate to display.
John describes Jesus in so many ways. The Light of the World, Son of God, Son of Man, The Consoler, The Bread of Life, The Divine Teacher, The Servant, The Water of Life…so many more, all accurate and describe the characteristics of Jesus that pertain to our relationship with Him and God. John’s description in Revelations shows another aspect of Jesus; that is is a Warrior King. That His power is beyond any power. That he is waiting, giving us the opportunity to come home before revealing this power. It reminds me that my life here on Earth is to draw closer to Him, and to help others draw closer to Him. It reminds me that these are high stakes. Jesus has in one hand truth and grace, and in the other truth and judgement.
Chris,
I have to confess: Now I am wondering if your claim that you couldn’t fight your way out of a “wet paper bag” is true or a clever feint designed to hide your “true power.” 🙂
(I hope I never have to find out!! 🙂 LOL! )
That said, your point is well made. Jesus is not into showing off his power for the sake of impressing anybody. His temptation in the wilderness proved that. Yet we shouldn’t make the mistake of underestimating that power…
I love Chris’s statement of Jesus in one hand holding truth and grace and in the other holding truth and judgment.
To those who know Him, His return is a joy. To those who do not, it is a terror. If Jesus is not our Savior, He will certainly be our judge (Revelation 20: 11 – 15). He is the true King of all kings and Lord of all lords. As we recently saw at our men’s retreat, submit to His rule or be destroyed. But blessed are all who take refuge in Him. Psalm 2: 10 – 12.
Well said, Rich! Well said!
10-07-2022, How does John’s portrait of Jesus as King fit with your understanding of who Jesus is?
John’s portrait is of Christ at His second coming to judge all evil. He has already come as as a servant and paid the price for the sins of all mankind.
The time for waiting for Him to come is over and every moment denying His full authority in our lives is a wasted moment. Jesus is King now. He is already on His throne and He is prepared to come into the heart of every person who will accept His being Lord of their lives now. He is the power that allows each to live lives within the will of God as we call on Him by submitting to His will now over our own. He has given all humanity His commands for eternal life or isolation apart from God.
Our time on earth is to choose by faith, do we serve Him for all eternity beginning now, or to we spend eternity in hell, the darkness apart from our King.
Ron,
Great point: Jesus is the power we need to truly live.