[414 words]
On May 6, 2023, the United Kingdom had their first coronation ceremony for a monarch in 70 years. By all accounts, this was an elaborate and fascinating ordeal. Whether you consider yourself to be an Anglophile or not, there is much here to ponder in this special event.
• It was estimated that more than $125 million was spent for the occasion.
• Another report claimed that King Charles III was decked out in approximately $4 billion worth of royal regalia.
• More than 2,000 attended the festivities in person.
• More than 20,000,000 watched online or on television.
It seems to me that those associated with the monarchy were trying to convey the idea that the king is important. They are trying to inspire awe and devotion. They want for the masses to willingly say, “God save the king!”
The role the king plays has changed drastically over the years. The expectations that the people have for their king has diminished to comic levels.
The British king is no longer expected to lead the people into battle or to defend their borders. That responsibility has been delegated to others.
The British king is no longer expected to provide peace and provision for the people. That responsibility has been delegated to others.
The British king is no longer expected to teach the people religious doctrine or to defend the faith against skeptics and heretics. That responsibility has been delegated to others.
As Christians, we serve a different King. One who has expectations for us, and we have expectations for Him. He expects us to listen carefully to His words and to follow Him with sincere love and devotion.
“Then Pilate said to Him, ‘So you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice’” (John 18:37).
We expect the King to defeat His enemies and to defend His Kingdom in judgment.
“From His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty” (cf. Rev. 17:14; 19:11-16).
Let us give praise to the King of kings! “For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods” (Ps. 95:3).
Bart Warren
South Green Street church of Christ
Glasgow, KY