What does it mean to recognize and receive Christ as King? On this last Sunday after Pentecost, Canon Jonathan reminds us why it matters so deeply. Only the reign of Jesus can anchor our hope and provide a way forward in a world filled with leaders who often misuse their power and harm the vulnerable. Many in Jesus’ day misunderstood him, because they couldn’t imagine a king who wouldn’t use his power to save himself. But some saw him clearly. Like the thief on the cross, the humble recognize their need and receive Christ the King as he is.
What does it mean to recognize and receive Christ as King? On this last Sunday after Pentecost, Canon Jonathan reminds us why it matters so deeply. Only the reign of Jesus can anchor our hope and provide a way forward in a world filled with leaders who often misuse their power and harm the vulnerable. Many in Jesus’ day misunderstood him, because they couldn’t imagine a king who wouldn’t use his power to save himself. But some saw him clearly. Like the thief on the cross, the humble recognize their need and receive Christ the King as he is.
In the fourth installment of a five-part series on 1 Samuel 1-3, Bishop Paul emphasizes the need for deeply mature disciples. During Samuel’s childhood, the spiritual leadership in Israel was corrupt. Yet, even amid the depravity around him, Samuel chose to remain in the presence of the Lord. As he grew, the Lord shaped him into the kind of leader who would act righteously. When we find ourselves in places of darkness and corruption, we can be assured that God will meet us there and grow us, as we are present to his presence.