the problem with the king
"There was an inscription over His head: 'THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.' " —Luke 23:38
When we acknowledge that Jesus is our King, we imply that we are His subjects. It is so difficult for us to be subjects, for when we pray "Thy kingdom come," that means His will, not ours, is to be done (Mt 6:10). When we enthrone Jesus as our King, we must necessarily dethrone ourselves.
It is even more challenging for a citizen of the USA to be a subject. Our country is founded on the rejection of subjection to the King of England. Many people have come to the USA to escape from being subjected to kings. Our form of government is an alternative to being subjected to kings. We have made a "declaration of independence" from subjection to kings.
Moreover, if we subject ourselves to King Jesus, we subject ourselves to a crucified King. If a king made us prosperous and victorious, we may be able to tolerate being his subjects. But why would we accept a King Who wouldn't protect us from suffering and death? A crucified King probably would not make it a priority to preserve the American lifestyle. He could "ruin everything." If Jesus insisted on being our King, and we insisted upon preserving our own independence, we probably would have no alternative but to crucify Him.
What will you do with Christ the King? Will you sneer (Lk 23:35) and jeer at Him (Lk 23:36) or fear and draw near Him? Will you revile Him (Lk 23:39) or subject yourself to Him?
Prayer: King "Jesus, remember me" (Lk 23:42).
Promise: "He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son." —Col 1:13
Praise: Praise Jesus, "the King of kings and Lord of lords Who alone has immortality and Who dwells in unapproachable light!" (1 Tm 6:15-16)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, March 30, 2004
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 1, 2004