7 things you should know about the KING
The concept of the kingdom is a vital part of who we are as Christians. It is a recurring theme throughout the bible and in modern times a recurring theme in our songs, clothing and sense of self. Even this blog carries a title based on this concept.
Royalty. What a word! So simple yet so powerful in all that it means for those who claim it as their own. But do we truly understand what it means to carry such a weighty title? Or has it merely become a part of Christian popular culture, so much so that it has lost its weight altogether. These were the questions I asked myself as contemplated my next step for Royalty Press United. Where should I start I wondered? Well I think it’s quite obvious isn’t it? I should start from the beginning.
In the beginning God
In the beginning God created
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth
In our simplest understanding of the concept of kingdom or royalty we acknowledge the presence of a pivotal role. The role of the king. Where there is a kingdom, in which there are subjects and distinguished royals, there must be a king. In order for the citizens to please the king they need to get to know him by what he says and what he does.
Who is a king? A king is someone who reigns over a realm and by reign I mean, someone who exercises authority over a place and its people. In the bible this language of authority permeates almost every account, beginning with the introduction to our story and everything that we believe as Christians. If we are to claim citizenship of this kingdom it is pivotal that we understand our King.
A king’s authority is demonstrated in his exercise of power. We see this clearly in the creation story, where God, Yahweh, calls forth life out of nothing… where he creates! Included in the vast variety of his creations is mankind, in the persons of Adam & Eve. A man and a woman created in God’s image. God further demonstrates His authority by giving authority to Adam. Adam then exercises the power that comes from that authority by naming the animals and dwelling freely in the garden with his wife. Note that this authority given to Adam is positional, that is beneath the supreme authority of the reigning king. Then a usurper comes onto the scene and with cunning wit challenges Adam and Eve to push their authority past it’s limits, creating an affront to the king and earning them His judgement.
This is very important because this sets the stage and pattern for a battle we continue to fight to this day. Fast forward a few thousand years and we find a group of people standing before a Holy God in a wilderness. They had just been freed from slavery in the most dramatic way and the one who freed them, the same one who created the heavens and the earth, makes them an offer. An offer to be a people in service to Him, the sovereign king, with one very clear but not so simple condition: obedience (Ex 19:1-8).
Sounds good enough right. I mean who wouldn’t want to be a peculiar treasure to the king of all and to be positioned above all? Who wouldn’t want to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation? And how hard could it be to obey his voice indeed? So the people of Israel said Yes. They accepted. But soon they would learn that obeying His voice indeed was not as easy as it seemed, not when the throne of their hearts were already occupied with self, crowned by the cunning prince of this world. And so began their journey of getting to know this king they swore to obey.
In the same way we the pilgrims of this time are also on a journey of getting to know this king and learning to live like His representatives in our section of the world.
Here are seven (7) things you should know about the KING
1. He (Yahweh) is the sovereign ruler over all (this includes the heavens & the earth and the rulers of them) (EX 19:5, 1 Chron 29:11, Ps 103:19)
2. He establishes the rules and standards of His kingdom (Ex 19:5-6)
3. He exercises His authority further by disseminating authority to subjects within His realm. He chooses who these subjects are. (Ex 19:6)
4. He meets the needs of all the people and values them, he is merciful to all (1 Chron 29:12, 145:9)
5. He is honored as king above all, He is worshiped and remembered by those who accept him as King and live by his standards. (Ps 22:28, Ps 103:22, Ps 145:10-12)
6. His reign is forever and those who are faithful to Him must proclaim it (Ps 145:10-13, Dan 4:3)
7. He has power and authority to bring low the most renowned kingdoms of this world. Beware of those who try to exalt themselves above God and beware that these prideful considerations do not take root in your heart. (Is 14:13-15).
If you are a citizen of this kingdom, reflect on the following questions today and if you find yourself falling short of these standards, this is a time to adjust how you have been relating to the King of kings.
Are you honouring Him as sovereign ruler over every aspect of your life?
Are you making the effort to truly learn about His rules and standards (through His word) and to live by them?
Are you positioning yourself daily to receive His favour and His blessed gifts of mercy and love (through submission and humility)?
Are you taking the time to worship Him and remember Him?
Are you proclaiming to others the greatness of your King and His benefits to those who serve him?
Would you be careful that you do not allow pride to tempt you into trying to exalt yourself above your king?
Would you be careful that you do not allow pride to tempt you into trying to exalt yourself above your king?
Be a blessing,
Royalty Press United exists to encourage, motivate and inspire believers as we all press towards our goal of personal growth and knowledge of God. If this was helpful to you, why not share it with someone else. You can also subscribe to get posts delivered directly to your inbox… along with other specials for subscribers only. Or you can simply like and follow us on Facebook for regular updates and connection. If you have any topics you would like us to explore, send us a message!
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Kelly is the founder of Royalty Press United. Author of the Gemstone Royals fantasy series, Twist of Faith and Crossroads. Counseling psychologist, proud Grenadian and devoted follower of Christ.
