the Comforting King

QUICK SUMMARY:  God is the unique, powerful combination of Master and Papa.  Looking specifically at Christ, the Son of God, we find that He is the Comforting King.  While He is the powerful Ruler over all things, He is at the same time approachable and welcoming.  Even though He is King and we are His subjects, He is also our Shepherd and looks to take care of us.  He really is the Providing King, the Protecting King, the Humble King, the Loving King.  No other leader, whether it be a dad, boss, mayor or president, in the history of humanity, has reached the level of all-powerful and yet all-caring master.  Jesus has reached perfection as the Benevolent King, and we need to take notice and be comforted. 

This Christmas week, approach your King and simply hang out with Him in sincere, friendly conversation.

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Remember from last week, if you become in awe of the ocean, that will be the inspiration you need to build an incredible sea-fearing vessel.  So if we humans become truly and deeply enamored with the ocean that is God, then and only then can we build an incredible, effective boat; whether that represents your life individually or the body of Christ collectively.

And last week we talked about a few of the key Names of God from the Scriptures, and what we can gather from that.  What jumps out at me is the God is both Master and Papa, the powerful ruler and loving protector of the entire universe.  The combination of those two truths encourage and inspire me.

This week, as it is Christmas, let us talk a little about Jesus, the Second Person of the Trinity, the Son of God the Father.  I'm not going to get into the theology behind how the whole Father-Son-Spirit thing works (I'll do that in a future post).  For now, I just want to specifically ponder on who Jesus is. 

We know that He is the Messiah, the Anointed One.  God the Father chose God the Son to carry out the ultimate will and purpose of God.   

I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me.  John 5:36 NIV

We know that He is the Creator of the entire universe.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  In him was life, and that life was the light of men.  John 1:1-4 NIV

We know that He is the Lord, Master, Ruler and King of all things.

They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.  Revelation 17:14 NIV

So the initial picture we are getting of Jesus is one of rulership, dominion and power.  Typically, when I think of a powerful, dominating ruler, I remember the quote that 'absolute power corrupts absolutely', and I picture a tyrant at worst, an uncaring, distant monarch at best.  But the Bible goes on to paint a fuller picture of Jesus, one that completes who He is.

We know that Jesus is humble, gentle and approachable.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

We know that Jesus wants to serve us.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.  Mark 10:45 NIV

So now the second half of the picture develops, and in it we do not find a tyrant or distant, uncaring king.  Rather, we find a King who is approachable and caring, and even wants to serve us!  Just as God is the powerful combination of Master and Papa, we find Jesus is the powerful yet humble King.  The Ruler over all, yet servant to all.  The Creator of all things, and yet gently approachable.  Again, I find these combinations mesmerizing.  It is not at all the picture of Jesus that the world paints.  The Bible's rendition of Christ is an alluring one, one that I cannot take my eyes off of.  I am intrigued with who this Jesus is.

[Notice that we are not yet getting into what Jesus did for the world; for now, I want to simply take a precious look at who Jesus really is.  The more I understand who He is, the better I will grasp the importance of His actions.]

So this week, as  you celebrate the 'reason for the season', don't just picture Baby Jesus.  Keep fresh in your mind who He started off as (Creator of the Universe) and who He truly is behind the human frame (King of All).  And remember that this Creator-King wants you to approach Him and spend time with Him, to get to know Him.  Think on how amazing that really is!  And so this week, spend a little time in prayer, approaching King Jesus, not to ask Him for anything, but rather to ask Him to tell you a little about Himself. 

[By the way, I understand that 'hearing God' in prayer can be difficult, and we will be discussing that in detail in a later post. For now, try to just clear your mind, and then focus on Biblical paintings of Christ, as approachable King.  Maybe do some meditation exercises.  Imagine coming before the King.  But don't picture a regal hall.  Instead, picture yourself standing a field, or by a stream, or in the mountains.  And then imagine a majestically-dressed King Jesus standing before the world.  And then, and this is the cool part, imaging Jesus coming up to where you are, but simply and comfortably dressed.  As He walks up to you, He is smiling from ear to ear, and He wraps you in a big hug.  He then has the two of you sit down and He unpacks a lunch that He brought for you two.  Or maybe He comes walking two beautiful horses, and He hugs you and then helps you up on one of the stallions, and then you two take off at an easy pace through the countryside.  Whatever you imagine, as the two of you are spending time together, picture Jesus asking you what's the latest in your life and then intentionally listening.  And then you ask Him what's the latest in His life.  Ask Him what is making Him sad and what is making Him happy right now.  And try to just listen and imagine what He'd tell you.  I've done this 'exercise' numerous times, and every single time it relaxes me, puts a smile on my face, and strengthens me.  So take maybe 30-45 minutes out of your semi-hectic schedule this week and try it.  And when you do, tell Him I said 'hi'.]