Who is your King?

Two of the stories that used to fascinate me as a child included scenes where an important character appears in the story but people fail to realise who he is.

It is said that in his struggles to become King of the Anglo Saxon people King Alfred was at one time on the run and entered an ordinary cottage. He was given hospitality on the condition that he promised to watch some cakes cooking over the fire and when they were cooked to take them away from the heat.

In musing over the great affairs and issues of the nation and kingdom Alfred forgets all about the cakes and the woman of the house returns to scold him not realising that He is shortly to become her King!

She failed to recognise the King!

In the legend of Robin Hood of Sherwood forest it is recorded that for entertainment the band of outlaws ambushed a knight or important official on the Forest road and brought them to Robin Hood’s evening feast.

On a certain evening a travellor was taken to the feast and was treated as one of their ordinary guests. During the evening it is suddenly revealed that the guest is King Richard I.

They had failed to recognise the King

The testimony of history is that he was crucified under the authority of the Jewish Sanhedrin and the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate. The authorities rejected his claims to be the Son of God.

The Jews failed to recognise their own Messiah.

The Romans failed to recognise the truly divine Emperor.

They failed to recognise the true King.

When Queen Elizabeth II was crowned as Queen of the United Kingdom on 2 June 1953 she held in her hand a heavy gold ball called an orb. On top of the orb is a cross. The ball symbolised the world. The cross symbolises Christ as King over the whole world. Her authority is seen as being held under Christ’s authority.

The Archbishop of Canterbury said:

Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the Laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel?

The Queen said:

The things which I have here before promised, I will perform and keep. So help me God.

Prince Charles has given notice that he intends to swear no such oath. Presumably he is planning to have the cross cut off from the top of the orb.

Thus far he has failed to recognise the King.

If it came to a vote which way would you cast your vote?

On the first Christmas

Mary recognised her King

The shepherds recognised the King

The Wise men from the East recognised the King.

2000 years later will you recognise Jesus as King?

Isaiah 9:6-7

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this