What Kind of King?

The central figure of Christmas – with all due respect to Santa Claus, Rudolph, and Frosty – has been and continues to be Jesus Christ, whose birth is marked by this universally recognized holiday. Both the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures of the Bible speak of Him as the King of the Jews, King of Kings, and most importantly, “King of Kings and Lord of Lords”, a phrase magnificently set to music in George Frideric Handel's masterpiece, “Hallelujah Chorus” from the Messiah:

And He shall reign forever and ever
King of kings (Forever and ever)
And He shall reign (Hallelujah! Hallelujah!)
And He shall reign forever and ever
King of kings! and Lord of lords!
King of kings! and Lord of lords!
And He shall reign forever and ever

Let us briefly look at what kind of a King that Jesus was and is:

What kind of circumstances – Earthly princes and kings are born surrounded by the trappings of wealth and privilege, in grandiose palaces of finely cut stone and marble that are erected in the center of the seat of power, but this unassuming king was not born in luxury or attended to by the best midwives and doctors in the land. Rather, He was born in the neglected rural village of Bethlehem (as predicted centuries earlier by the Prophet Micah).

Forced to travel in her 9^th month, for purposes of the Roman census, Mary and Joseph were forced to take shelter in a stable for her to give birth. The young couple even had to use a feeding trough as a bassinet for their baby. This was not the typical king.

Luke 2:6-7 “And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”

What kind of proclamation – The birth of a king is typically announced with much fanfare to the powerful and the mighty. His presence would be proclaimed to noblemen, princes, and princesses; to commanders, generals, and scholars; to the glitterati and the illuminatti - but not this king. We probably all recall that the first announcement of His birth was to lowly, despised, and unimportant shepherds.

Well... not exactly. You see, while the social status of shepherds suffered due the nature and hardship involved in working continually with outdoor animals, these shepherds were different. The shepherds of Bethlehem were charged with the important task of raising the special animals perfect enough to serve as sacrificial Passover lambs. In fact, it was the kind of dirty job only Mike Rowe could fully appreciate. But it also foreshadowed a somber future for the little king Jesus.

The story continues in the book of Luke:

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

What kind of ruler – Earthly kings 'Lord it over' their subjects. They busy themselves building cities, commanding armies, and conquering territories, as did Solomon (I Kings 9:15-22). They also erect palaces and monuments to themselves, even demanding godlike worship of themselves, as did Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. (Daniel 3:1-7)

But even though he would have been within his rights to do so, Jesus didn't wield such earthly power or claim an earthly kingship. When directly questioned before Pilate, who was himself a Roman king, Jesus responded thus to the question, “Art thou a king?”:

My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. (John 18:36-37)

Rather, this king asks for voluntary submission and then rules in the hearts of his subjects; and one day, we know not when, He will rule, reign, and restore justice to his creation:

Isaiah 9:6-7 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.”

This will be a wonderful day for those counted among His people, and Scripture beckons us to willingly turn and come to Him. The Bible says, now is the time for repentance, “behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (I Corinthians 6:2).

My friend, would you turn, repent, and join me and so many others in following Him?