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King of Kings
By: Kristen L. McNulty
A few years ago the Canadian government was going to pass a piece of legislation that many Christians opposed. So myself and many other believers wrote letters to both our Member of Parliament and the Prime Minister voicing our concern. While the Prime Minister gave us hope that the bill would be defeated, in the end, the bill passed leaving many jaded with the political process and politicians in general.
In a world of injustices, it's hard not to become cynical with those in power. It seems like whenever someone hits the scene who gets our hopes up, we ultimately end up disappointed. But maybe realizing that is not such a bad thing. Because it's an easy thing to place our trust in someone tangible, someone who we can hear make impressive speeches. But the truth isanytime we place our trust in authorities who are made up of flesh and blood like we are, we are setting ourselves up for disappointment.
Thomas Merton once said that "the biggest human temptation is to settle for too little." When we turn to objects or people as a source of power, we're doing exactly that. Instead of placing our faith in the One who reigns over all, we place it in someone who is not much different than you or I. Then we wonder why we're disappointed.
The Bible tells us exactly who Jesus is. Not only is He referred to as the Lord of lords, but also as the King of kings (Rev. 19:16). When Jesus prayed in the garden He left no question of His authority:
"Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone in all the earth." (John 17:1-2)
In Jesus our Saviour, all authority over heaven and earth can be found. While He has given us the choice of free will, nothing is out of His reign of power. He can appoint leaders just as well as He could tear them down. He can open doors and He can close them. He can change hearts and free captives. That's the God that we follow- literally the King of all kings.
There is no limit to His power and there is no person out of His reach. Knowing that, shouldn't we change the way we approach both situations here on earth and our times spent in prayer? I'm not saying never write a letter or approach a leader. I am saying that while we can act, all is ultimately in the control of our Heavenly Father. Thus, the first throne we should be petitioning to is the throne of Heaven. Coming in the name of Jesus to petition and pray and wait to hear what the King has to say.
Sometimes He'll send us like Esther to approach a leader or individual. Other times like Daniel He'll ask us to be faithful in a lions den. Whatever the circumstance and whatever the case though, we need to recognize that there is no authority in heaven or on earth that can stand up to His.
Reprint rights available on request. Email the author at kristenmcnulty@hotmail.com.
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