Embracing Jesus as Our True King
The Christmas season often evokes thoughts of nativity scenes, festive songs, and reflections on the birth of Jesus Christ. But beyond the annual celebrations, we are invited to shift our focus on a deeper exploration of what it truly means to recognize Jesus as our King. This perspective moves us beyond the holiday glimmer to an impactful, life-anchoring truth about the sovereignty and role of Jesus in our lives.
Understanding Jesus as King
When Isaiah prophesied the coming of Jesus, he referred to Him as the “Prince of Peace” whose reign would establish justice and righteousness forever (Isaiah 9:6-7). Yet, Jesus did not come as a King we might typically imagine. While earthly monarchies are associated with power, prestige, and often exclusivity, Jesus’s kingdom is characterized by love, service, and an open invitation to all who would follow Him.
Contrast Jesus to the rules and grandeur of earthly kings: His birth in a humble manger in Bethlehem, as recorded in Matthew and Luke, was a testament to His different kind of kingdom—one where love, humility, and compassion are paramount. He did not seek to establish political dominance; instead, He called His followers to love God, love their neighbors, and love even their enemies (Matthew 22:37-39, Matthew 5:44).
Practical Steps to Make Jesus King in Your Life
To truly recognize Jesus as King in our lives, here are some steps we can adopt both during this season and beyond:
- Surrender Fully: Much like David, who always returned to God after his errors, we must commit our entire being—heart, mind, soul, and strength—to God (Mark 12:30). This involves daily choices that prioritize His will over ours.
- Love Actively: Jesus emphasized love as a central command. We can practice this by reaching out to those in need, extending kindness, and forgiving others as we have been forgiven.
- Embrace Humility: Jesus’s life exemplified humility. Following Him means adopting a servant’s heart, ready to minister to others without seeking recognition.
- Be A Witness: Share the message of Christ joyfully with others, inviting them to explore the life-changing impact of recognizing Jesus as their King.
Closing Thoughts
As we delve into this festive season, let us not merely see it as a time for tradition or celebration, but as an opportunity to renew our commitment to Jesus as our King. Let’s ensure our lives reflect His kingdom’s values—through love, service, and dedication. Join us at Muscatine Church of Christ as we explore these truths further, and feel free to reach out for deeper conversations about faith and discipleship. Together, let’s journey closer to our King.
