Daily Devotions

During this week, following the last Sunday in the liturgical year designated as Christ the King, we will take a fresh look at what Jesus Kingship means in our day and age.

The phrase "Christ is King" reflects the Christian belief that Jesus Christ is sovereign ruler over the universe, rooted in various Bible passages. While the exact phrase "Christ is King" may not appear verbatim, the concept is strongly supported in Scripture, particularly in the New Testament. 

We start with the announcement of Jesus' birth, the angel Gabriel tells Mary, "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end." Luke 1:32-33

This declaration is a powerful and significant verse that underscores the exalted kingship and divine nature of Jesus Christ. It situates Jesus as the fulfilment of the Old Testament promises regarding the Messiah and emphasises his authority and sovereignty. This verse is a pivotal part of the narrative of Jesus' birth and lays the foundation for understanding his role as the Saviour and King. It is a cornerstone of Christian belief and a source of hope and inspiration for believers around the world.

George Mc Donna wrote, “They were looking for a king to lift them up on high. He came a little baby thing that made a woman cry.”

We may well ask, how many have recognised the kingship of Christ. Steve Brown tells the frustrating story of some British social scientists. Following the end of British rule in India in the 1940s, a group of researchers wanted to study the impact of the end of British rule on the life of the nation. After six months, the British social scientists gave up and went home. Though the British had been present in India since the 1600s, many people in the villages of the country were not aware that the British had ever been there!

Could it be that God himself has visited the world and people have lived and died without ever being aware of the event? 

Even the magi at first found difficulty in recognising the King of Kings, and certainly Herod had his preconceived ideas concerning the news that he had a rival.

This world would deny you, Lord,

and rely on human wisdom

in their search for answers

to questions they have yet to ask,

but we will praise you,

and exalt your name,

for we know that you are Alpha,

the beginning of all things,

and Omega,

the end,

and all that is between.

We have known your healing.

We have known your provision,

We have known your victory.

Our sorrow has turned into dancing

and our tears to songs of joy.

We shall praise you ever more. Amen