Dear Hope family,

Thought for the Week

Kingdom

Matthew 6v13 “Yours is the kingdom the power and the glory, for ever and ever, Amen.” (NIV)

The UK has a reputation for pomp and ceremony, and it will be on display this weekend as King Charles III is crowned. Millions around the world are expected to view the event. There have been many people preparing carefully so that things will go smoothly on the day and everything will be synchronised.

You may be a republican or a monarchist; you may be in favour of state church or against; you may celebrate a largely Christian ceremony for the coronation or consider it a compromise of true Christian worship; or you may be ambivalent on all these points. Whatever our position on these, we look to Christ the King of Kings. And we will be reminded of Him as the coronation liturgy embraces the King of Kings as ruler over all nations and peoples. As the liturgy requires the King to promise to follow the words of Christ “I came not to be served, but to serve,” let it speak to us too.

As we see both the honour given to the King in the ceremony, and the anticipated objections on the streets, how much more of both the honour and the objection there is for our King of Kings. The book of Revelation paints a picture of our glorious King on a glorious throne, but in Luke 19, Jesus also paints a picture of opposition to him being made King. So, as many of us watch at least part of the ceremony, let us keep in mind the images of the coming King.

Aspects of the ceremony date back to the 10th century, and those traditions themselves are based on the Old Testament blessing of kings. There is nothing wrong with tradition in itself, provided it is not keeping us from following God himself. As we consider the years of tradition, we are reminded of the constancy of our God: “In the beginning God …” and “he who is, who was, and who is to come.”

Let’s pray for King Charles, Queen Camilla and the Royal Family at this significant time. May they know the love and grace of our Lord and submit to Him. Let’s pray too for our nation to see the light of Christ and submit to Christ as King. Let’s pray too for an attitude of “I came not to be served, but to serve,” in our nation.

Lord, we declare you King of Kings and celebrate your kingdom! May your kingdom come today.

With love and blessing,

Roland