Jesus is My King!

Image from angusday.org

When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!’ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’ One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’ (Luke 23:33-43)

We live in a country with interesting democratic processes. We have elections and sometimes we are elated with the results, other times we say to loved ones and friends, "He or she is not my governor!" or fill in the blank.  But this coming Sunday, the Church declares again as she has always done, that Jesus Christ is the King of Kings.  The above passage will be read in those churches using the lectionary and the passage is one that has long established the role of Jesus as our king.  And it occurs in a setting that by human standards does not make sense.  Like the birth of Jesus our King happened in the poorest of locales, manger in a stable.  And Jesus' "coronation" takes place at the site of His death and that between two criminals.  Yet, notice the importance on the mind of this king is forgiveness.  The ones putting Jesus to death were declared innocent by Jesus.  And while one criminal cries for Jesus to free him from his suffering, the other speaks up for Him by saying that Jesus was innocent and they, as criminals deserved what they were getting.  He further shows his faith in Jesus by asking to be remembered when Jesus came into His kingdom.  And our King replies, "Today you will be with me in Paradise."

No matter the setting we find ourselves in, nor the feelings we may have for recent elections at every level, Jesus is our King.  No one can take that away from us and in truth, our citizenship is in Heaven, where Jesus rules and will rule eternally.  It is the source and fuel of our hope and serves to give us motivation to work and labor among those who have yet to make Jesus King of their lives.  Our role as Jesus' good citizens is to invite others to come and join us in His kingdom.

PRAYER:  King Jesus, forgive me of my sins.  Help me to be the person You have called me to be.  Help me to work hard for You, inviting others to join us in our journey here, moving ever faithfully and joyfully onward and upward.  In Your precious name we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

Prayers for a sweet, nine year-old girl from Sinton, Texas, named Lani, who yesterday at our charge conference shared how she sees Jesus in her church.  She added how she has a rare disease which makes it necessary to receive weekly blood transfusions and how soon she will need a blood transfusion.   Please pray for her healing.  She has such a precious and positive spirit and blessed all of us there.  May the Lord Jesus heal her from this illness is my prayer in His precious and powerful name, amen.!

Step Up!

Many have said they're giving up. Our local paper showed a quote from writer Stephen King saying he was shutting down. One pastor reported her church musician is stepping away from his duties because he no longer feels like he can lead people in praise. These are just some of the reactions that people are sharing about how they feel about the national scene and the election of our new president. You may have felt the same way. Reports on the media speak of violence and demonstrations of hatred. Many are justifying their actions as being because "America is great again," or "Trump, baby!" These actions further fuel the feelings of despair and depression many feel.

The call for Christian people and believers everywhere is to step up in faith and love like never before. We were never promised by God that everything would go our way, but we were promised that the Lord would be with us, and He is. We affirm like never before that God is still in control over heaven and earth. John's gospel shares this passage: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (13:34). Truly, acts of love and kindness, mercy and compassion, should be the rule of the day. We have the same obligation as always to welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and those in prison; and no where does is say "only if they look and talk like you." As one lady said the other day as she explained the stupidity of racism: "There is only one race here on this planet, and that is the human race, of which we are all a part." If we could only live like that. God would be pleased.

Step up. Stand up for justice and equality. Speak out for love and fairness. Truly be the disciples that Jesus expected of us.