No Ordinary King

After King David sinned, the God of Israel rebuked him through the prophet Nathan.  It struck me when God who anointed David and delivered him from King Saul said in 2 Samuel 12:8, "I gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your keeping, and gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if that had been too little, I also would have given you much more!"  It was God who made David king, and David's sin in the matter of Bathsheba and Urijah expressed hatred of God's word (2 Sam. 12:9), hatred of God (2 Sam. 12:10) and lack of contentment with all God had generously provided.  How gracious God is, that He is willing to give freely to those who do not always appreciate or honour Him.

As I meditated on this passage, it dawned on me how it would be very easy as a king to sin as David did or as King Saul before him.  It was not long after being anointed king Saul was lifted up in pride.  Suddenly everyone sought his favour because of the power and authority Saul had as king.  No one dared to say a word against him if they valued their lives, families and future prosperity.  In a worldly sense, Saul had great power over the lives of every one of his subjects.  If he saw a strong man, he could compel him to join his army.  If he fancied a woman, he could make her a baker or cook (1 Sam. 8:10-17).  If he wanted more money or food, he could levy taxes to enrich himself.  He possessed the power to extend mercy to people and spare them from punishment, or he could condemn rivals to death.  Saul could enrich people he favoured with gold, vineyards, servants and land, and he also impoverish people on a whim.  Saul's authority as king quickly went to his head, and even David--a man after God's own heart--was not invulnerable to selfishness.

Consider how vastly different Jesus Christ--the King of the Jews and the KING OF KINGS--is from all other kings.  Princes are taught how to be regal, how to properly conduct themselves as royals as they one day assume the throne.  They are born into wealth with sprawling estates, palatial houses, and priceless treasures.  Kings have many servants who maintain houses, land and provide for the needs of their households.  Though a king, Jesus did not demand "royal treatment" or tout His authority as the Son of God.  He was born into a humble family, and Jesus subjected Himself to His heavenly father by submitting to Mary and Joseph.  For years he worked doing manual labour.  When He began to travel and teach, Jesus did not force or compel anyone to follow Him.  Jesus did not fill their heads with promises of wealth and glory, but He led willing disciples He called as the servant of all.  He did not impose His will by threats, manipulation or murder but loved people.  The rich and mighty of this world find others to take the blame for their faults, yet righteous Jesus--who never sinner or spoke a foolish word--humbly and willingly went to the cross and died according to His Father's will.

Isn't it incredible that the KING OF KINGS is also the servant of all?  Knowing what I know about rulers of this world, I could not have imagined this.  When Jesus put on a towel and washed the disciples' feet, He was not being funny or putting on a show.  That outrageous act was indicative of the loving service Jesus always extended to everyone.  They called Him Master and Lord, and so He was.  John 13:14-15 says, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. ¹⁵ For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you."  It may be the disciples realised until that moment Jesus had always been the servant of all, that He had loved them freely even when they paraded around thinking they were superior.  Ancient kings levelled cities and built a new city on top of the old, but God's kingdom is  founded in God's goodness, righteousness, justice, and mercy.  Jesus is the KING but lived in this world as the servant of all, and we ought to follow in His steps by loving, forgiving and serving others.