As I’m sure you’ve heard, England crowned a new king this weekend. Prince Charles was given the new title of King Charles III.
I hope Charles does well. We’re commanded to pray for all those in authority, whether we approve of their politics or not (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
And here is a great promise to claim at a time like this: “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1).
But even as we pray for our leaders, we must be careful that our trust is ultimately in the Lord rather than any human. This is one of the things I had to repent over during the National Day of Prayer a few days ago. Too often, we think our candidate or political party is the answer to our nation’s problems. Yet. let’s be honest: The corruption in our nations is much too severe for any one man or woman to solve!
On this weekend when England ordains its new king, I find comfort in this amazing statement about the early church:
“These men who have turned the world upside down have come here too…They are all acting contrary to Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king—Jesus” (Acts 17:6-7).
Despite the incredible power wielded by Caesar, the apostles declared that there was “another king–Jesus.” And rather than being an ordinary king, Jesus was “the king of kings and lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16).
In the face of so much compromise and corruption of human leaders, have we forgotten the overwhelming authority and majesty of our Savior? Paul reminded the Ephesians that Jesus was “far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come” (Ephesians 1:21).
Someday soon, the kingdoms of this world will all become “the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” (Revelation 11:15). In that day, ever knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:9-11).
Can you picture that? Every person–including every earthly king…prime minister…dictator…or President–will have to surrender their crowns and bow at Jesus’ feet.
It’s time for the church to rediscover this powerful message, boldly declaring to a confused and chaotic world that there’s “another king–Jesus.”