Today is the last day of the Christian year. This is Christ the king Sunday. The last day where we proclaim Christ is king, god reigns. It’s a message that is fitting in this week where people lives have altered. Tim read from Rev1 4:8 and John 18:33 40.
It’s nearly advent, and were being bombarded by adverts. Tim recalled an old advertising slogan “Whatever your world pc world.” It claims to obtain all the worlds knowledge and goods and being connected to everyone everywhere. You can have what you want. We allegedly have a world of unlimited resources.
It’s not the first time in history though, in about AD90 when John was imprisoned in Patmos the Romans were trying to claim imperium eternum rule for ever.
Imagine the room with a Roman , Pontius Pilate gazing at this man in front of him, Joshua Jesus accused of mortally offending the Jewish faith. Who cares , the governor thinks, we know how to deal with rabble rousers . He’s merely deluded he’s nothing compared to the Roman Empire. Pilate finds out for himself that Jesus answers a question with a question. Jesus incriminates himself with the statement my kingdom. Jesus says something revolutionary here. His kingdom is of a different nature altogether. After the execution, when the governor had forgotten , his followers start calling him Lord. Most of the apostolic language is encouragement to stand firm against the power of the empire and proclaim Christ as the eternal king. The titles given by John to Jesus is who he is for us. Whatever your world Jesus is there. He is the faithful witness stood in front of Pilate. Martus is Greek for witness.
There is future beyond death, Christ’s kingdom is an eternal kingdom. He is the ruler of the kings of the earth.
Jesus’ power is from God. Jesus kingdom is a kingdom of people like you and me a kingdom of weakness. Jesus the king still stands before the rulers and the powerful . He holds in his hands the poor the weak, the suffering. We are called to be agents of Jesus. Tim shared the testimony of a pastor from the 1980s lazlo Tokes, minister of Romanian church. His predecessor supported the communist , Tokes did not and his church grew to 5000. The bishop tried to have him evicted but people supported him and surrounded his house. 1000 people killed, but local pastor said “Let us pray” the people fellbto their knees and prayed the Lord’s Prayer. Days later the government fell.
Jesus said my kingdom is not of this world. No one will be mistaken when he comes again. John includes all the people . It isn’t clear whether the tears are of repentance or of sorrow at the coming judgement. Chapter 22 shows love conquers all that day with that sacrifice. The rule of the one who was and is and is to come. Talking to evangelists who referred to an eternity without Christ. Tim thinks there is no such thing as eternity without Christ. Whatever your world Jesus will be what he will be. The act of prayers invites is to change the world. This isn’t all there is folks. You and me can bring into this world a glimpse of gods world. The Lord’s Prayer May just be the most subversive acts, against Romans or others who believe they are in authority. Thank you we can proclaim you as king today. Help us fulfill your calling to be kingdom priests. Remind us of who you are.