Devotion:
Read Matthew 21:1-5.
It’s one of those scenes that perfectly illustrates the difference between the kingdoms of this world and the kingdom of our Christ. After a victory in war, kings of that time would come riding into town on a white stallion, reminding everyone of the power they had shown through their conquering army.
Matthew gives us the contrast here, quoting from the prophet Zechariah: “...See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey…” The world would laugh at such a scene. Some would think it was some kind of joke. They might ask, “What kind of king comes riding into town on a donkey?” The answer: none other than the King of kings.
Tomorrow in our worship services, we will end the “Christian calendar year” with “Christ The King” Sunday. We tell the story of Jesus throughout the year and conclude by saying “In the end, Christ is King.” We all know there are various sources of power in this world, whether economically or politically or otherwise, but none of those have ultimate power. They are not sources of the kind of power that gives life. There is only one source of that power: Jesus Christ, our ultimate revelation of God. He is the King of kings.
Personal Worship Option:
Way back in 1887, Ernest Shurtleff wrote the words to a hymn that speaks to this contrast of kingdoms. Here’s the second verse:
Lead on, O King eternal, till sin’s fierce war shall cease,
and holiness shall whisper the sweet amen of peace.
For not with swords loud clashing, nor roll of stirring drums;
with deeds of love and mercy the heavenly kingdom comes.
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