We live in the 21st century, in a very specific slot, in the history of time. We inadvertently forget that as time moves, vocabulary morphs. With these changes, our understanding, acceptance and reckoning of terminology also shift and deviate. Take the word ‘honor’ as an example; do we share a common platform through the ages?
In today’s arena, there are constitutional monarchies, syndic republicans and atheistic anarchists, with most somewhere in the slurp. We subscribe to democratic, socialistic and communistic entities. In the more remote and presumed less advanced communities, there is still widespread acceptance of tribal and feudal systems. Hence the idea or interpretation of headship is perceived in different shades, by people, contrasted by separate origins, cultures or disciplines. Civilization has largely migrated from the medieval system, having systematically rescinded and removed the titular accords and privilege of chieftains, lords, Sultans, Kings and Emperors, Shahs and Tsars. In an earlier time, it would be wise to quickly prostrate oneself in the presence of the sovereign, less one should suffer loss by decapitation. We would consider this same, humiliating, obscene and legally preposterous in the republics of today.
In the light of our current world-view, one wonders over our profession of Jesus Christ; as Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Is it not probable that we be variant, one from the other, and also with the standard? By oral confession and testimony, we accord Him the title, but does He reign? And if so, how? He may be Lord of the realm, but not necessarily of my house; and if He should intrude, He may still, not own my heart. Does He preside over us, as with our constitutional monarchs, sovereign only in ceremony but overruled and constrained by parliamentary constitution? Individual perspective, priority, and devotion would by default make rendition and practice, most subjective.
My limited understanding testifies of a King, who out of love, and in obedience to His Father, humbled Himself to be a man; whose most glorious act of His earthly life was possibly to be condemned to die a heinous death , to redeem for Himself, the creator of the universe , a people of His own. This King, resurrected from the dead and installed on the highest throne, is to rule over all. Yet, He intercedes and walks beside us in love, having given us new life and begins His work, first with our hearts. In daily life, He blesses us, by His grace, to serve Him, His purposes and His will, for the benefit of all of mankind. He purposefully provides a body, His Church, to enable a community for common worship, support and edification. Is our understanding of Kingship correct? Maybe not, but we are graced to learn and know Him better with each passing moment. It would be fallacious to examine Him against any mortal standard, for He is not like any earthly king. Despite having redeemed us, with His own blood, He still does not lord Himself over us by edict. His Kingdom is premised on His own love, grace, mercy, kinship and faithfulness. Do we understand His kingship? Not really, not on this side of heaven.
In today’s arena, there are constitutional monarchies, syndic republicans and atheistic anarchists, with most somewhere in the slurp. We subscribe to democratic, socialistic and communistic entities. In the more remote and presumed less advanced communities, there is still widespread acceptance of tribal and feudal systems. Hence the idea or interpretation of headship is perceived in different shades, by people, contrasted by separate origins, cultures or disciplines. Civilization has largely migrated from the medieval system, having systematically rescinded and removed the titular accords and privilege of chieftains, lords, Sultans, Kings and Emperors, Shahs and Tsars. In an earlier time, it would be wise to quickly prostrate oneself in the presence of the sovereign, less one should suffer loss by decapitation. We would consider this same, humiliating, obscene and legally preposterous in the republics of today.
In the light of our current world-view, one wonders over our profession of Jesus Christ; as Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Is it not probable that we be variant, one from the other, and also with the standard? By oral confession and testimony, we accord Him the title, but does He reign? And if so, how? He may be Lord of the realm, but not necessarily of my house; and if He should intrude, He may still, not own my heart. Does He preside over us, as with our constitutional monarchs, sovereign only in ceremony but overruled and constrained by parliamentary constitution? Individual perspective, priority, and devotion would by default make rendition and practice, most subjective.
My limited understanding testifies of a King, who out of love, and in obedience to His Father, humbled Himself to be a man; whose most glorious act of His earthly life was possibly to be condemned to die a heinous death , to redeem for Himself, the creator of the universe , a people of His own. This King, resurrected from the dead and installed on the highest throne, is to rule over all. Yet, He intercedes and walks beside us in love, having given us new life and begins His work, first with our hearts. In daily life, He blesses us, by His grace, to serve Him, His purposes and His will, for the benefit of all of mankind. He purposefully provides a body, His Church, to enable a community for common worship, support and edification. Is our understanding of Kingship correct? Maybe not, but we are graced to learn and know Him better with each passing moment. It would be fallacious to examine Him against any mortal standard, for He is not like any earthly king. Despite having redeemed us, with His own blood, He still does not lord Himself over us by edict. His Kingdom is premised on His own love, grace, mercy, kinship and faithfulness. Do we understand His kingship? Not really, not on this side of heaven.
In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. (Isa 6:1-3)
God bless.
/ckh
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