Jesus of Nazareth, King of ______________? (Day 3)

Posted on March 25, 2015 by petetackett

Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” (John 19:19 ESV)

John 19 gives an account of an interesting conversation between Pilate and the religious leaders over a sign he had posted on the cross of Christ. They were fearful that people would see the simple sign as a statement of fact. It said, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” Their back and forth really centered on two things. Was He a King and if so, whose King was He?

As we prepare for the Lord’s Table on Sunday, we would do well to address that ourselves. Is He really King and if so, is He our King? If you have clicked on a devo geared to prepare you for communion, chances are you believe He is King and for most of us, we declare by our actions and words that He is our King. Yet, we often get so caught up in life that we act like anything and everything else is king of our lives.

Claude King, co-author of Experiencing God, often says the problem is not the sinful actions that beset us, but a foundational heart issue. Our hearts have departed from our first love. We set out with Jesus as King but we have let the pride of life, the lust of our eyes, and the lust of our flesh crowd Him out. (I John 2:16) Then, other good things that are not sinful in and of themselves, become sinful because they have taken the place of the one who rightfully should occupy the throne of our lives. We turn those good things into idols of the heart that take preeminence over the one who is preeminent!

Idols of the heart can be anything. It can be your job, fishing and hunting, your children, golf, Facebook, an organization, or a million other things. These may be a great part of your life, but as a King, they are terribly lacking in purpose and payoff.

So, how do you know if Jesus is still King of your life or not?

Evaluate your calendar and checkbook.
Take an honest look at whether worshipping God has been pushed into a convenience in reference to your favorite hobby, job, or organization.
When you get up or get to your desk, do you first open our Bible or your email?
When you pray, are you always distracted by things that must be done? (Note, I said always.)

Spend some time this week seeking the Lord and evaluating whether He has been crowded out as King. Return to your first love by letting Him reveal idols of your heart and by confessing and forsaking them.

As you prepare this week, click here to listen to the late Rev. S. M. Lockridge in his famous oration, That’s My King. It will help you get things back in right order.