Troublesome To Kings (Ezra 4:15)

 


Saturday, October 5, 2024


Psalms 82; 84

Ezra 4:11-5:2

Colossians 2:16-23


Troublesome To Kings (Ezra 4:15)


It is true that Jerusalem is a rebellious city. We have spent the last few months reading through in excruciating detail the depth of their rebellion. But that rebellion was primarily against God, not a rebellion against any king of the Trans-Euphrates. Yet in spite of that rebellion, God is bringing the people back to rebuild the city and the purpose of the city, the temple.


What this all boils down to is the question: who is our king? And a follow up: how does he expect his subjects to behave?


Both saints Paul and Peter have some words about the Christian citizen. Romans 13:1-6 is a famous example, exhorting us to submission to governing authorities. 1 Peter 2:13-17 is another, also using that shuddering word “submission”.


What we learn from the example in Ezra, through the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ and exegeted by his apostles, is that Christians are the best citizens. Every ruler should want to rule a Christian nation! We are taught to honour and respect those in authority, submitting even to the point of paying taxes. And yet we will only do this if those in authority bow the knee to the same king over all, the Lord Jesus.


This is what is so troublesome to kings: Christians remind them of the fact that there is a King of kings, and they too are his subject. Every time we gather in church for worship, or pray with each other, or volunteer in explicitly Christian charitable works, we remind everyone around us that while there is a human hierarchy, it all falls under an ultimate divine hierarchy, with King Jesus above all. And through his precious blood he has made a people for himself, a royal priesthood, kings and ministers going throughout the world proclaiming his authority and serving according to his good purposes. We may be a rebellious people, but Christ died for rebels, so that we may be raised as saints.


Where is the sense of authority in your life? Who is above and who is below you? And where is King Jesus’ authority in the midst of it all?


King Jesus, King of kings, troublesome to the kings of the earth: inspire in our leaders godly fear, and in their people, a zeal to fulfil the obligation of the debt of love.

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