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.

ONLY in Jesus

The news from the oncologist had knocked the wind right out of me. I held it together as I quietly scheduled another appointment with the receptionist and raced, head buried in my chest, to the top floor of the parking garage. There, in the presence of empty vehicles, under stormy skies, I let the tears fall. They mingled with ice-cold rain as I tried to catch my breath. My spirit felt empty and alone. 

Some people think "cancer" is the most awful word you can ever hear. I disagree. The words, "I'm just not sure we're out of the woods yet," are much worse. When I first arrived at the top of that garage, the sun smiled brightly from a blue sky, the air-- crisp and clean --easily filled my lungs, and I was excitedly anticipating my appointment. It had been weeks since my surgery, and this was the day I would be released from my doctor's care. In moments I would be free! But for those words...

On the roof of that garage, the thoughts came. I'd failed. I was still damaged and dirty, sick and afflicted. My poor husband --what would I say? It wasn't supposed to be this way. This can't go on. I'd paid my dues. On and on the worries and fears came. There would be more tests and treatments. My life would still remain on hold, unable to move forward. Those around me would continue to be plagued by worries and fears of their own. We had been so optimistic.

I'll save you the wondering, the cancer was gone. There was no need for any further remediation, praise God. But recently, as I spoke to a friend, these events came back to me. I remember quite vividly how it all felt: living each day post-surgery as though I had been made new, only to find out that might not be quite the case. It was a betrayal of the highest degree. And it caused me to think of those who will stand before the Throne of God one day, checking off box after box. I volunteered in the nursery. I attended Bible study. I memorized the Book of James. I served on the Board of Trustees. But without love --their love for God-- their lives had meant nothing. Who was Lord of their heart? Whose character shaped their soul? Whose words permeated their mind? Who was their strength? Had they loved their neighbor as themselves? Or were they merely completing a list, doing all of the things "good people" do? Religion without relationship. Their works without faith will let them down.

God's work at the cross is the standard by which we ought to live. That's why he tells us, "There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." (John 15:13 NLT) Only by trusting in God's great love in giving Himself as a sacrifice for us, can we be assured we are free from the enemy. Only by trusting in God's great love in giving Himself as a sacrifice for us, can we be assured we are made whole. Only by trusting in God's great love in giving Himself as a sacrifice for us, can we know for sure, beyond the shadow of a doubt that there is no need for further remediation. Jesus, God's Son, the second person of the Trinity, paid the price for us and it is finished. In the person of Christ, we meet God's standard. We walk in freedom; we walk in wholeness. We can face each day with the anticipation and surety I had when I drove to the top of that parking garage, standing in the truth it is God Himself who has eradicated the cancer of sin from our lives and given us an eternal life of hope. We can stand even in those moments when we are faced with the trouble and gut punches of this life; His results are guaranteed. Nothing separates us from His love. Nothing undoes anything He has or will do. Nothing escapes His attention or approval. Everything can work together for His glory and our good. And as a result, we are empowered to pour out as He pours out, to endure as He endures, to love as He loves, and to walk in the good works He has prepared for us to do because we are most assuredly made whole in Christ Jesus. But only in Christ Jesus.