Ponder: Are you the new king?
Scripture: “And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:16, NKJV).
A famous hamburger chain has a new jingle: “There’s a new king, and it’s you!” The company says it has made many improvements including firing its old king and enthroning a new one: You! Time will tell whether the improvements are real and effective. Since the company’s old slogan was, “Have it your way,” I wonder what real difference there will be if I’m the king. Isn’t “have in your way” pretty much what kings do anyway?
Let the hamburger chain say and do what it will. Of infinitely greater importance is the fact that Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Far too many folks, however, have a hamburger chain mentality when it comes to spiritual matters. They want to be the new king and have it their way.
Since I can have extra pickles and hold the mayo on my burger, shouldn’t I be able to pick and choose which parts of God’s word I want to obey and which parts to leave off? That might fly if I were the king, but Jesus already occupies the throne of David in Heaven. And He told His apostles to teach new disciples “to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). Did you see that? “All things,” not some things, not the things you like, not the pleasant or easy things, but “all things.” How much room does that leave for me to “have it my way”?
“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:17).
Hymn: “He’s My King”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we happily confess Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. May we never attempt to usurp His throne. In His name, Amen.
–Joe Slater
