The 24th November is the feast day of Christ the King.
As we acknowledge Jesus as Lord and King, we are redeemed and become people with a changed status. We, unlike UK citizens under King Charles, have entered into a different Kingdom, one we enter into by choice.
In believing on Christ the King, our identity is changed, 1 Peter 2: 9, states “…you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession…”.
So dear Chosen People, and God’s special possession, the lectionary readings on this feast day, gloriously depicts the magnificence of our King, and wonderfully interconnected.
Psalm 93 focuses on God as King of Creation, He made and has established the world: it cannot be moved. The Psalmist presents the important reminder, “…your throne is established from of old”. What solid hope to hold onto, especially in these current times as our world seems broken, lost and very daunting.
Daniel chapter 7 is a vision of heaven’s throne room. This glorious vision is set in the court of the ‘Ancient of Days’, the place of righteousness and of ultimate justice. It contains essential revelations to our understanding of Jesus and how He is radiated throughout the New Testament.
John 18: the final reading, Jesus before Pilate, set in another ‘court’.
This is a first-hand account told by Jesus’ followers who heard everything. ‘Pilate’s ‘court’ would have been the place where legal business was conducted, disputes aired, and justice pronounced.
Pilate says to Jesus, ‘Are you the King of Jews?’
Jesus was quick to perceive Pilate’s heart and replied, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?”
Pilate deflected with another question: “I am not a Jew, am I?”; deliberately baiting Jesus as Pilate, before the Chief Priests and Pharisees who are in earshot.
“What have you done?” Pilate wants Jesus to admit something outright.
Jesus directs his answer, knowing full well it will enrage the leaders standing close by: “My kingdom is not from this world.”
This is an astonishing declaration which would totally fire up the Chief Priests and the Pharisees.
Jesus was not referring to an ‘other worldly’, ethereal or transcendent place. His Kingdom, unlike every kingdom on earth, then and now, is not made by human hands.
Pilate next asks Jesus, “So you are a king?”
Jesus’ reply must have enraged those present, as Jesus’ reply was,
“You say that I am a king.”
Let’s return to Daniel’s vision:
I saw one like a human being[son of man]
coming with the clouds of heaven.
And he came to the Ancient One[Ancient of Days]
and was presented before him.
To him was given dominion
and glory and kingship,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
should serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not pass away,
and his kingship is one
that shall never be destroyed.”
What an astonishing pronouncement, written 500 years before this moment with Pilate. This vision is a vindication of Jesus, His resurrection, Ascension and the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost with the result the founding of His Kingdom on earth: a Kingdom populated by believers, and one which can never be destroyed.
Therefore, let us walk in His truth, His love and His sovereignty, as people fit to build and acclaim His Kingdom on earth, right now in this place as chosen people and citizens of heaven. Amen.
(Reflection written by Ruth Fabby)
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