“Behold your King!” (John 19:14)
These words of Pilate were said during the arrest and condemnation of Jesus. Pilate wanted to make the Jewish authorities squirm, as it was illegal to bow to or wait upon any king but Caesar.
As I read this passage, I thought about how Kings are honored and served. In a 1610 speech to the Lords and Commons of Parliament, James VI said, “To the king is due both the affection of the soul and the service of the body of his subjects.”
As a Christian, I proclaim that Jesus is King. Have I been serving Him with both my affection and service? How is that lived out? Sam Peters, in a sermon entitled, “Prepared to Serve the King”, shares some Biblical directives on serving Jesus as King.
1.
Serve faithfully –"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the
one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the
other.” (Matthew 6:24)
2.
Serve diligently and patiently – " Who, then, is a faithful and wise servant? It
is the one that his master has placed in charge of the other servants to give
them their food at the proper time. How happy that servant is if his master
finds him doing this when he comes home!” (Matthew 24:45-46)
3.
Serve lovingly and kindly – “And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead,
he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” (2 Tim 2:25)
4.
Serve indiscriminately – “As believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t
show favoritism.” (James 2:1)
5.
Serve unconditionally—"Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to
them without expecting to get anything back.” (Luke 6:35)
When I look at these guidelines, I realize I often fall short. It makes me wonder, is Jesus King of my life? Or am I?
As Easter approaches, I need to remind myself who really IS the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords—and it isn’t me.
Be encouraged!
©2024 Pamela D. Williams