2007 Devotional Guide
for ELCA Congregation Councils and Committees

Christ the King — Willing Subjects of the Kingdom
November 2007 by Margaret Payne

Then Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He answered, “You say so.” —Luke 23:3

Jesus talked about the kingdom of God more often than any other subject. He used stories and images to communicate its beauty and value. He told us that the kingdom is within us, and all around us, and yet we still look forward to its full realization when Jesus comes again.
The idea of Jesus as king might seem dated, or too patriarchal, or it might clash with our view of him as teacher, healer, prophet, and compassionate friend. But we need the annual reminder that Jesus is the one to whom we bend in obedience, and that his rule of love sometimes orders us in directions that we might not want to go.

There is a song from the Taizé Community that has a simple and lilting description of the realm where Jesus rules:

The kingdom of God is justice and peace,
And joy in the Holy Spirit
Come, Lord, and open in us,
The gates of your kingdom.
[“The Kingdom of God” © 2000 Les Presses de Taizé, GIA Publications, Inc., agent.]

Jesus changes the worldly vision of power and might into a gentle vision of justice and peace. Leaders in the church work as co-creators of God’s kingdom. We keep our confirmation promises in mind: “to serve all people, following the example of our Lord Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.” It may be easier to plan worship and ministries of education and service than to tackle the hard work of justice. There are many different opinions about what is just, and even more opinions about how to seek peace. So it is a temptation to busy ourselves with less controversial matters.

Once in an adult forum a devout Christian man, embroiled in a discussion about the complicated matter of racial justice sputtered, “I want to do the right thing, but I want the right thing to be easier to figure out!” Placing our lives and our decision-making under the lordship of Jesus our King is not often easy. It is hard work and requires courage, openness, humility, and patient persistence. Yet our deepest partnership with Jesus our King happens when we do the work of his kingdom.

Prayer
Heavenly King, we ask you to rule our hearts and equip us to work in your kingdom. Give us the courage to affirm our baptismal life by keeping its promises, and make us instruments of your justice and peace. Amen.

For Reflection or Discussion
What ministries of justice and peace can our congregation engage in to enrich our community?

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