All Hail the King!

What are your thoughts on the royal family --on monarchy, specifically? How do you feel about a system that celebrates being born into The family, and that because of a single natural event over which you had absolutely no control, you are entitled to all the rights and privileges of royalty? In a democratic-- everyone deserves an opportunity, everyone has equal rights, anyone can be anything they work hard enough to become --society, that probably makes many of us a little queasy. Entitlement. No one will admit to liking it or even agreeing with it, but isn't that what democracy is? Rather than a one (which no one likes unless they are that one), everyone is entitled (and by everyone, most people mean themselves). But then, of course, there's Cinderella, chosen by her fairy godmother, drawn out of the ashes, lavished with all things priceless and regal, adored and pursued by the prince-- almost a democratic sort of royalty: everyone has the opportunity so long as they represent everything a typical monarchy does not: inclusivity, gentleness, humility, beneficence, simplicity. In a democratic monarchy, occupying the palace might not be so reprehensible. 

As I listened to a friend's diatribe concerning "The Royals" the other day --so much disdain from someone whose family has lived in The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave for generations-- I was struck by some of the contrasts in our thinking. She believes the concept of hereditary monarchy to be a root cause of discrimination and classism. Her argument is, if one can be destined for rule, it stands to reason the remainder are destined to be ruled, most likely in a capricious and unjust manner. Rather than disagreeing in a political sense, I found myself viewing the discussion in a biblical sense. 

One's birth is no random event --not the timing or the circumstances:

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them. ~Psalm 139:16

In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, ~ Ephesians 1:11

Being born into royalty is not the same as being born superior. Glory belongs to the one who designed the circumstances of our birth (or rebirth, as it were):

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ~ 1 Peter 1:3

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. ~ 1 Peter 2:9

Just because one is destined to rule and reign with Jesus Christ does not mean the offer is exclusive to them, nor are they entitled to treat others in any other manner than what is befitting one chosen by the King:

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name; ~ John 1:12

just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, ~ Ephesians 1:4

With no intent to exploit my friend's indignation, I argue that monarchy designed by God --Theocracy, really-- is perfect: the leadership of One King, benevolent and just, over all of Creation. Those who would subject themselves to His authority are not slaves or pawns, treated cruelly in the hands of a narcissistic monarch; but Almighty God has made it possible, through His own sacrifice, that we may be co-heirs with His Son, Jesus Christ. As such, those who submit to Him, are "elevated" to the position of sons and daughters of the One True King; His heirs represent Him to all of Creation, His children imitate Him in thought, word, and deed, His ambassadors are living epistles and missionaries, encouraging others to receive what they have received in the person of Jesus Christ that many might partake of His invitation and come into His Kingdom. 

All that being said, I find it difficult to disparage a One Ruler system of government entirely. Though humanity may corrupt godly concepts, bear in mind the joy of submitting to One so pure and the security of dwelling in the Kingdom of the Most High. That might just make us a bit like Cinderella, but chosen only because our God is so good.