Jesus is given different titles: Saviour, High Priest, Shepherd, Counsellor, Advocate and others. King is the title we honour today. We may have difficulty relating to this title as in South Africa we live in a democracy and not a monarchy. When the Israelites settled in the Promised Land Judges were appointed from the tribes to instill law and order.
However, the people started asking for a king as the nations around them had kings and they were always harassing them. This was not God’s plan as He wanted the people to be dependent on Him and worship Him alone. Eventually He relented and the first king, Saul was anointed by God and so the monarchy was introduced into Israel. The Old Testament accounts for these kingships and in particular the frailty of these human kings. Eventually the kingdom was divided and both were overthrown.
Old Testament Prophets spoke of a future eternal king. Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Jesus was recognized as a king (King of the Jews) at His birth by the Wise Men. On entering Jerusalem (on Palm Sunday) Jesus was honoured as a king and when he appeared before Pilate at His trial He stated that His Kingdom was not of this world thereby acknowledging that He was a king which Pilate accepted. When Jesus returns at His Second Coming He will come as a king, Revelation 19:16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
The Old Testament Prophets tell of this future kingdom and what it will be like. The King will reign and as a result there will be peace and security, justice will prevail and there will be no war. Furthermore homes will be safe, people will not be harmed, there will be no illness and all will be provided for. If we look at the description of this kingdom these are the things that we desire in lives today. This is what our King Jesus offers us. The Israelites wanted a king who would protect them from their enemies.
We have King who protects us from our enemy the devil and saves us from our sin. Today, and every day we honour and worship Christ, the King.
Shalom,
Lorraine Bovey