The King and I

There is something mythical about royalty. It captivates our attention. The most famous royal family is in Great Britain, and the world loves to follow Prince William, Kate and their kids. At some point, we’ve all imagined what it would be like to be a member of a royal family. “But why?” Why does the idea of Camelot make us imagine ourselves in their shoes, vicariously living through someone else? We daydream, “What would I do if that were me?” Whatever it is, the concept of royalty does something to those of us on the outside looking in.

We often fantasize about what we don’t have. The ideas of luxury, wealth and power seem to easily bring out these inward motivations. For most, the idea of royalty is based on this dream-world of endless money, shopping, having whatever we want, nice clothes, going to fancy galas and being looked to for leadership. This perception is selfish and inward focused, but that’s the direction humanity goes when left untouched by a greater purpose. Most of our fairytale dreams involve making our lives easier – So we can do what we want, when we want. While this sounds good, there is a reason so many have warned against it. There is a better way!

There is a King that gives true purpose, and He empowers us to live for something bigger than ourselves.

Jesus is the greatest King to ever live and His reign has no end. His Kingdom is undefeated, and it welcomes all people to be a part. He gives each one a role and place. This King is all powerful and wins over the hearts of others through love. He is patient, kind, humble, everlasting and good. He erases any record of wrong. He has all the answers because He is the answer to everyone for any issue. He contains the wisdom of the ages and whispers the secrets of our hearts, helping us to be free and healed. Yes, this King is phenomenal. His ways are higher than ours, and His perspective is holy and true. But it doesn’t stop there!

Jesus the King gives you and me a role to play. He’s not a dictator or ruthless ruler, but rather a generous Savior who empowers us to have purpose and power to fulfill His heart in the earth. This perfect Lord chooses to use imperfect people. He gives us mercy every day to be what He says we can be. Then He heals our past and unties the knots that exist within us, giving us peace and a new start.

“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”

1 Peter 2:9

Notice The King and I in this verse.

First, we are Chosen. This speaks to our identity. He has prepared for us to be here right now. We are not here by accident or by mistake. Our greatest reality is the King of kings living inside of us with eternal power and might. No matter our family history, He has healing and redemption for us. He has handpicked you for something more than you know. He has declared His good things over you. What was meant for evil, He is turning to good. Nothing is too hard for Him!

Second, we are Royal Priests. This speaks to our relationship with Him. We are not minions doing His bidding, but rather we are committed, empowered priests. We proclaim His name and have His power and authority within us. He is living inside of us, speaking to us daily. He calls us His friends. We are personal attendants of the King himself, who know what He says and what He does; therefore, we have been commissioned to share this with all people. We can know our God and do exploits!

Third, we are a Holy Nation. This speaks to our position and citizenship in Christ. He purifies our lives, making us clean from our past so we can live in the present with a clean conscience. How powerful! He asks us to be holy as He is, and that means we mirror a different way of living. Christians are not better than others, but we can reflect His way of healing, protection and purity while being imperfect. Being holy also signifies that we are a nation of people all over the world who are citizens of heaven. We are partakers of another land, city, country and place – Heaven! Our greatest days are ahead and He is coming for us soon!

Lastly, we are His possession. This speaks to our worth and value. It’s eternal and it cost the Son of God His life when He took our place and raised from the dead. What we have doesn’t reflect the true price tag of our lives. That can only be revealed in the blood of Christ. Today, we are His possession. We are the apple of His eye, a royal diadem that shines for Him to behold. Some may say this sounds restrictive, but it actually is liberating. It’s life to the fullest. Our Creator takes our hearts and makes them his own. We find purpose, safety, healing and fulfillment when we are His possession.

The King and I is the place to be. It’s where we have freedom and all we ever dreamed. Go for it, and believe these things are true for you in your life! You are who He says you are. What He says is the greatest reality we have! Be courageous and live this way. Be free, be clean, be new and be the person who you are called to be in Christ.

Have a great week and the best is yet to come.

-Pastor David