[ Today's Readings ]
Jesus is King. He is LORD. He exists before all things. All things are created for him. But because of sin there are problems. There is division. He means for us all to be united in him but our sinful rebellion frustrates this desire of his. David is meant to be the shepherd and king of Israel because he is bone of their bone and flesh of their flesh. Jesus wants to be our shepherd and king but when he comes he finds that we have all gone astray like sheep. He finds that we have taken the Father's inheritance and left for a life of dissipation.
The Good News is that Jesus does not let our rebellious hearts stop him from bringing us into the Kingdom of God. Because of our rebellion there is now a price to be paid. But he himself pays it.
For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell,
and through him to reconcile all things for him,
making peace by the blood of his cross
through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.
All that is within us that fights against the Fatherhood of God and unity with all of his children is put to death by Jesus Christ on the cross. If we have eyes to see it his cross reveals his kingdom to us.
Then he said,
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
He replied to him,
“Amen, I say to you,
today you will be with me in Paradise.”
We see a king who is not a tyrant. He is not arbitrary in his rule. In fact all of his rule is because he loves us. All he does as king is to bring us from the kingdom of darkness into his own Kingdom so that we can share the inheritance of the saints in light. We have a hard time with earthly authority. We've seen it abused so much. And even when it is just our hearts are reluctant to submit. But this morning we see that there is nothing better or more wonderful for us than to make Jesus the LORD and king of our hearts. Let us rejoice in him!
I rejoiced because they said to me,
"We will go up to the house of the LORD."
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
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