King of Kings

And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:15-16)

Monarchy is not exactly the most favored form of government these days. It's usually considered out of date, having been replaced with the democracies and republics of the modern era. This shift in form of government isn't really because there is something inherently wrong with monarchies. The great political philosophers have said that the true function of the King is to insure justice and defend the liberty of the people. It doesn't matter if he is called Pharaoh, Emperor, King, Prince, President or Prime Minister; the job is the same. The sovereign power is delegated to the king for that purpose and that purpose only.

Mankind being what it is, rarely do you see a king in the world who does what he is supposed to do. Typically, all leaders eventually degenerate into tyrants, despots, or worse, and will take on the attitude that they are above everybody else even to the point of claiming to be divine. As a result, monarchies are not well respected these days. Democracy is all the rage and to suggest that an absolute monarchy is really the best form of government will most likely result in people thinking you are some ultra-right wing fanatic.

But, you know, the Kingdom of God is a monarchy with a king who holds absolute power. The difference being WHO the king is. Our King Jesus is not at all like the petty tyrants and dictators of men. Our king has shown us the true nature of what a king should be.

He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. (John 13:4-5)

I almost can't read that passage without breaking down in tears. Think of it - the King of Kings, the very Son of God, strips down to his undergarments, wraps a towel around himself and washes the dirty, smelly feet of his disciples. Can you imagine the kings of the world doing something like that? Better yet, can you imagine yourself doing something like that? When you can bend down to the most menial tasks of service without any shame or pride of false humility, then, and only then, are you ready to wear the crown that Jesus has promised to you.

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