Kings and Priests – Recognising the King
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. John 3:5
On May 6, 2023, Charles, Prince of Wales, was crowned King Charles III. The coronation ceremony, steeped in tradition, dates back to the tenth century. This ceremony, full of pomp and splendour, has five parts: The recognition - the monarch is presented to those in attendance who affirm the monarch by exclaiming, “God save the king!” Or “God save the queen!” This is followed by the sounding of trumpets. The Oath: The monarch then makes a legally binding promise to serve the people of their kingdom. The Anointing: This is the most sacred and solemn part when the monarch is anointed with oil out of sight of those in attendance. The Investiture: The monarch is clothed in garments and adorned with objects that symbolise the sovereign power and responsibilities. Crowning: a crown is placed on the head of the new monarch.
Royal Priesthood
God calls all of mankind to not only become kings, but also priests in His kingdom. Becoming kings and priests starts with our hearts. When we realise that our hearts cannot be satisfied by this world, the kingdom of darkness, we will be moved to seek God’s kingdom – the kingdom of light. To become part of His kingdom, we are required to repent (Mark 1:15). When we repent, we acknowledge our sin and our need for forgiveness. We surrender our lives to Jesus and recognise Him as Lord and Saviour. Romans 10:9 (NLT) says,
“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Just as the recognition of an earthly monarch is followed by rejoicing and trumpet sound, there is rejoicing in heaven when we recognise Jesus Christ as our Saviour and King (Luke 15:7). There is rejoicing as we are ushered into God’s kingdom. Just as the recognition of a new monarch marks a new era, our recognition of Jesus as our King marks a new era in our lives. We become new creatures in Christ – the old has passed away, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). The laying down of our old life initiates our role as kings and priests in the kingdom of God. We become royalty, chosen by God to proclaim the most excellent way of Him who has called us out of darkness into his marvellous light (1 Peter 2:9).
All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. Revelation 1:5-6
Reflection:
Have you openly declared that Jesus is your Lord and Saviour? If not, I would like to invite you to pray the prayer below.
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross so that I can be forgiven and set free from my sin and shame. Lord, I repent of my sinful life. I turn my back on everything that does not please You. I receive Your forgiveness. I receive the new life You have for me. Rule and reign in my heart. Restore me so that I can lovingly serve You as Your king and priest in Your kingdom of light. In Jesus’ name, amen.
