Christ the King–the biblical metaphor is both archaic and meaningful, so check it out!
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37
Background: All our readings share this theme, demonstrating Jesus’ claim to rule over all other rulers. It would appear that authority and power belong to Pilate, as Jesus stands before him, but in faith we see the irony-the real power of life is Jesus’ to command. Revelation was written as a direct (but disguised) challenge to the Roman Empire’s claim to supreme authority. While kings aren’t part of our reality, and questions of ultimate authority and loyalty may be more subtle, they are still real, with real world implications
Think and talk: Revelation begins with God’s gifts of grace and peace to the seven churches. The language here recalls a system of patronage, wherein the king or governor gives gifts to his subjects in return for support. The writer implies that if we receive these gifts of life, we should give our ultimate loyalty to God-the rest of the story is about the cost and victory of that devotion. Think about how that might be true for you. What experience of God’s presence or calling motivates you to act in faith?
Looking around: Many things in our world appear powerful-the commercial pressure to shop comes to mind this time of year! How or where do we see Christ’s challenge to those false powers? How do we demonstrate where our allegiance lies?
One Response
Thank you for sharing your years of knowledge and insight. There is so much to learn and you seem to know the subject deeply.