Christ
the King
Jesus came proclaiming the kingdom. He said, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom
of God has come near, repent and believe in the good news.” The term kingdom
assumes the reign of a king. It is the domain
over which a king or other sovereign exercises authority.
As Americans, we are not completely
comfortable with this notion. Every
summer we throw a huge party, complete with fireworks, to celebrate
our independence from kings and kingdoms.
Most of our ancestors were very happy to make their home in a
place where earthly monarchs were no longer free to reign.
Nevertheless, one of the most popular musical compositions of all time celebrates the reign of the King of kings and Lord of lords. George Frideric Handel's “Hallelujah Chorus” is known and
sung all around the world.
The lyrics
are taken right out of the New Testament, without embellishment: “The kingdom of this world has become the
kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever…
King of kings and Lord of lords.” (Revelation 11:15; 19:16).
A couple of years ago 650 singers from over two dozen singing groups gathered as a "flash mob" at Macy’s Department store in inner city Philadelphia to participate in a spontaneous, random act of culture.
A couple of years ago 650 singers from over two dozen singing groups gathered as a "flash mob" at Macy’s Department store in inner city Philadelphia to participate in a spontaneous, random act of culture.
They chose the kingdom of our world – a center of consumerism and commerce – to sing of the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ. Incredible! 650 singers gathered in one of American's hallowed centers of worship – a shopping mall – to announce the reign of Christ the King. Hallelujah!
It's pretty amazing!
