Jesus is the most significant person in the universe, but He is also the most misunderstood. Think of Warner Solman's portrait of Jesus, who matches the society in which Solman grew up. We don't want to have a wrong understanding of who Jesus is in our own minds. Who is Jesus? What does Jesus do? The Son of God, who came to preach the gospel, is prophet, priest and king. The Jerusalem crowds hailed Him as king; the promised King. God's plan is to have one man rule the whole world. This man is the Ancient of Days. He is also the rejected King. Yet as He is crucified, He is not experiencing an unexpected complication to His plan. He is the firstborn over all creation. The most privileged man ever. The Creator and Sustainer. He is also the real King. As a man, He has earned His position as King. It is dangerous to play down His actual kingship. He commands even death. he is most unlike anyone else we have known. A lion and a lamb. All authority is in His hand. Even the most authoritative man in the church is only a slave to Christ. You don't get to choose the functions of Christ that you prefer. You receive Him as a Person with His full identity. The personal, complete, rejected, real, and active King. No individual can see their life as disconnected from Jesus. We don't see His rule as clearly as we will see it when He returns in Glory. It will be both wonderful and dreadful. Dreadful, especially for religious people who do not acknowledge His authority. Is He your King? If you stand against Jesus, you are in a war you cannot win. |
