On Who Is Your King

John 19:12-15 MSG. “At this, Pilate tried his best to pardon him, but the Jews shouted him down: “If you pardon this man, you’re no friend of Caesar’s. Anyone setting himself up as ‘king’ defies Caesar.” When Pilate heard those words, he led Jesus outside. He sat down at the judgment seat in the area designated Stone Court (in Hebrew, Gabbatha). It was the preparation day for Passover. The hour was noon. Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your king.” They shouted back, “Kill him! Kill him! Crucify him!” Pilate said, “I am to crucify your king?” The high priests answered, “We have no king except Caesar.””

Observation

“Anyone setting himself up as ‘king’ defies Caesar.” So, for me, Caesar represents the world, it’s systems, and anything else of the world that “rules over” us. The kingdom of King Jesus does defy all that the world can offer or deliver. Choosing Jesus as Lord and Savior means surrendering the ownership of ourselves and our choosing to Him so we can pursue the fulfillment of His will and purpose with the gifting He gives.

Questions some might ask are, “Why should we do this? Why should we give up having absolute control of what choices we make about our current pursuits and our futures?” While “surrender” is a word our society, our world, associates with shame, loss, powerlessness, when applied to our relationship with Jesus, it represents forgiveness, grace, and security. I would ask how much real control we have over tomorrow when we are depending on our own devices. We can make plans but they are all subject to the next circumstance that arises, the next unexpected turn of events that occurs. We truly only have total control in the current moment of the decisions we make and the actions we take. The bottom line is we neither know what will happen next nor what we need to be prepared for it.

Impact On Me

“The high priests answered, “We have no king except Caesar.” Did they not understand what they were saying? Was their position and power so important to them that they would abandon God to accomplish the murder of a troublesome itinerant teacher? I realize that I am viewing this in hindsight and as a follower of Jesus. However, it makes me even more aware of the necessity to stay surrendered to King Jesus when the Caesar’s of this world tempt me to follow them by crucifying Him again.

I did not know how the rough patches in my life would prepare me for the future, but they did because I kept looking for Jesus in the midst of them instead of focusing on my own pain. He helped me to see outside my grief and sorrow in the ICU waiting room to minister comfort to another mother agonizing over her child’s future. I found out that more comfort flowed into me as I gave His comfort away. I am grateful for doctors and hospitals, but I am more grateful that I serve a King Who is more able than them all.

Prayer

Lord God, Redeemer, Sustainer, Lover of my soul, I worship You as I rest secure in Your hands. Show me how to continue in true surrender to You when the Caesar’s of this world try to distract and displace me. Help me always to leave my comfort and care to You as I give You the freedom to reach out through me to others in need. I know You hold all my future and will be with me whatever comes. Make it so, in Jesus’ name.