Who Is Your King?
Daily Old Testament Reading: Psalm 21, 43; 1 Chronicles 1-2
Daily Focus Passage: Psalm 21
Who has control and rule in your life? Living in a land dominated by freedom, we often struggle to submit to any type of authority. We do not understand living under a monarchy because of living in a land of democracy. Yet, in Psalm 21, David reflects on living under the authority of the true King, the Lord, even though he serves as the king of Israel. David's reflection must force us to answer who has authority in our lives and ultimately decide who is our king.
THE KING OF THE SELF
We face the threat of living under the king of the self. This authority means we attempt to live life trusting in our strength and believing we can accomplish any task. We believe in the self to support the self and find glory in temporary victories. Unfortunately, this approach to life provides a false sense of security and leads one away from trusting in the Lord.
When we live under the rule of the self, we allow our pride to drive us to accomplish a task that honors the self and brings glory and recognition to the self. We find purpose in this world's accomplishments and in our hands' work. When we allow the self to rule, we place ourselves on the throne of our life and seek to find glory from others. This desire comes from the inflated ego. When we become the king of the self, we live in a state of self-centeredness and self-glory.
THE KINGS OF THIS WORLD
The kings of this world may be actual rulers or individuals we give too much authority to in our lives. We seek these individuals for strength and belonging. We want them to grant us approval of our actions and find us favorable in their sight. Ultimately, when we chase after the rulers of this world, we place our hope and purpose in temporary and fleshly things. The riches of this world become the defining measure of our life, and we pursue the riches of the world and reject the treasure of heaven.
When we seek the world, we chase after a fading reality. This world's objects, purposes, and principles will fade away and leave us wanting and empty. When worldly leaders become elevated, we treat them as divine instead of who they truly are. We give them the worship and praise that the Lord alone deserves. Thus, our purpose and meaning in life become void of the Lord and rest on shifting foundations.
THE KING OF KINGS
In the New Covenant, we are invited to follow the true King of kings, Jesus. When we align with Jesus, we receive the strength that has a source from the Lord and does not depend upon the conditions or dynamics of humanity. We surrender our desires and wants to the will and ways of the Lord and allow him to guide and direct our lives. When Jesus is King of kings, we focus on giving him all the glory and honor because he alone is worthy.
When Christ becomes the King of our hearts, we find stability to endure life's various trials and storms. He provides us with more than enough strength, grace, and mercy to endure the hardships of life. When we align with Jesus as our King, he provides us with a new identity, purpose, and promise. Thus, Jesus, as the King of kings in our life, means we are completely his.
So who is your king? Are you attempting to follow the king of the self? Are you trying to follow the kings of this world? Are you aligned with the King of kings?
