July 29, 1981 was Lady Diana Spencer’s wedding day. A friend and I watched the festivities and ceremony into the wee hours of the morning. We basked vicariously in her fairy tale moment while experiencing (admit it!), twinges of jealousy. Mara and I were drawn to Diana (or rather, to her persona), like moths to a candle. Thinking back, our reaction had a lot to do with our fears and a desire to emulate her greatness. Fear, because life was scarily uncertain. Emulation, because we wanted to vicariously experience the life we thought she’d live. Her wedding to a prince appeared to grant her consummate security.
(Notice the pun?)
While our fascination felt unique, fear and emulation have a lot to do with the kings and saviors people instinctively admire. We read of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, humbly riding the foal of a donkey. He had done so many miracles among the people, and yet we see how quickly the hosannas that welcomed him to Jerusalem faded. It’s not just the crowd that dissipates. His inner circle melts away — He’s betrayed by one of his disciples, others fall asleep in His moment of greatest need, and then Peter denies even knowing Him. The adoring crowd is replaced by a mob calling for His death. Humble, gentle and not one to ally with power —Jesus was not the type of leader people instinctively follow.
Jesus stayed true to His mission even in the face of agonizing punishment. Considering how unreliable the disciples were, it’s amazing He submitted to the crucifixion. Any other human would have backed out. He really did love the human race — or more accurately, each and every individual who had been born and would be born, in spite of our tremendous weaknesses. He could see our potential. In His submission, He showed Himself to be the one true King, the only one who held the keys to forgiveness and redemption. In Revelation 19, Jesus returns riding a white horse, and there’s no mistaking Him for the King He is. His garments are red with His blood, now a symbol of triumph, not shame.
By sharing the end of the story, in Revelation, John reminds us that Jesus chose both the way of humility and the throne of Lordship. Think of each element — the triumphal entry, Jesus’ betrayal and abandonment, and His triumphant return. From what perspective do we currently see Jesus? Do we see Him as someone to be ashamed of, weak and defeated, or as our triumphant Lord?
We live in a democracy, not a monarchy, but we are prone to treat our leaders like kings. We may trust them uncritically and believe they can protect us, as though they were gods, not just leaders. We may believe that Jesus’ ways can be restricted to certain parts of life, but that tougher, more effective methods need to be used in politics or business. We might not see His omnipotence. Let’s take time this week to reflect on what we are afraid of and on the kind of leaders that we want to emulate. Let’s remember that the way of Jesus is the only choice that will provide eternal safety and security.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. I Peter 13-6
Stand In Your Love (Official Lyric Video) – Bethel Music & Josh Baldwin | VICTORY
by Sherry Sommer
