It’s one of my pet peeves.
I really hate when I
hear Christians say something along the lines of “The Bible says I’m a child of
the King. That means I’m royalty!”
I guess it bugs me when I hear that because, usually, it
comes across to me sounding more like this:
“I’m super awesome and more
important than other people.”
Maybe that’s not what people mean by this, but it’s what it
sounds like when I hear people say it out loud.
But it got me thinking, what does it really mean to be a
child of the King?
I think, in context with the rest of the New Testament, the
idea of recognizing our identity in Christ is essential. We do need to know who
we are. If for no other reason than that this might help us to be who we are
called to be.
For the record, the New Testament doesn’t really emphasize
our position as “sons and daughters of the King” in quite the same way as some Christians
today want to frame it.
We’re told that we are now a “royal priesthood” by
Peter, for example, but the context of that is our responsibility to perform
the priestly duties. Those include: Pointing others to Christ, administering
the ministry of reconciliation, and acting as liaisons between our fellow
humans and the King of Kings.
1 John 3:1 also reminds us that God "has lavished His great love
upon us by making us His children."
This is true. But in that verse no mention
is made of our elevated status as royal family members. Instead the emphasis is
basically on humbly receiving so gracious a gift as to be allowed to call the
Creator of the Universe our “Daddy." In other words, it’s the astounding level of intimacy and
the breath-taking inclusiveness of God that is being celebrated here. Not our exalted
status as the Prince or Princess of the Universe.
So, what does it really mean to be “Children of the King”?
Here’s what I think:
If our Father is the King of Kings, then that means we do
not bow our knees to anyone, or anything other than Him. We owe all our
allegiance to our Father. He is the rightful ruler of this planet, and the
entire Universe. Nothing else should ever eclipse His absolute rule, reign or
authority in our lives.
Our Abba is the King! We are no longer at the mercy of any
other ruler or authority. Nothing else has any power over us; Not our sinful
natures (which have been put to death once and for all); Not our national identity
(because our Father’s kingdom transcends every national border); Nothing else
in all creation.
So, go ahead and let everyone know: “I’m a child of the King.
That means I’m royalty!” But please keep in mind that sharing a family identity
with the absolute ruler of the Universe means that you’re not under the yoke of
anyone, or anything, else except your Abba.
Pledge your total allegiance to His Kingdom.
Bow the knee to no one else.
Serve only Him.
Let no other ruler, or authority, or government, nation
steal your loyalty.
Your Father is the King.
His rule is absolute. His nation is eternal.
“Before Him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by Him as worthless and less than nothing.” (Isaiah 40:17)
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