"Let Earth Receive Her King"

Early in John the Baptist’s ministry he declared the kingdom of God had come to the earth in the person of Jesus Christ. Mark records such an event for us in the first chapter of the gospel bearing his name:

"At last the time has come!" he announced. "The Kingdom of God is near! Turn from your sins and believe this Good News!" (Mark 1:15, NLV).

Indeed, if Christmas is about anything, it certainly is the message that the King has been born. Remember the lines from the carol we looked at the last two days? The second verse went, “Let Earth receive her King. Let ev'ry heart prepare Him room.” But what does it mean to “receive the king,” or to “prepare Him room”? Let me make five suggestions today for you to think about.

First, it means a change in our allegiance. If Christ is the King, He deserves our honor, loyalty, and obedience. We put ourselves under His authority and power. Whatever He says, we determine to do. That’s the point of the petition found in the Lord’s Prayer, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (cf. Mt. 6:10). Kingdom people submit their own will to the will of the King.

Second, it means a change in our expectations. One of the difficulties we have with the idea of a kingdom is that it doesn’t appear to be in place yet. The world seems to grow father away from God by the day. As a result, it’s easy to live for the here and now, as if this present life is all that matters. But the hope of the kingdom is that there is far more to life than what we see right now. Jesus made extraordinary promises in regard to a future kingdom, not only for Israel, but also for all that follow Him as King. The kingdom may not yet be fulfilled completely, but it has been established and will last forever.

Third, it means a change in our values. Our culture values achievement, success, independence, and image. Other cultures value other qualities. But the values of the kingdom reflect what matters to the King. Jesus described many of these values in the Beatitudes (or, as some call them, the “beautiful attitudes”). Kingdom people adopt the King’s values and make choices that reflect those values—in their jobs, families, and communities.

Fourth, it means a change in our priorities. The real test of our values is how we spend our time and money. Jesus spoke directly to that issue in terms of the kingdom. He did not demean the value of work or diminish the need for material goods. But He challenged His followers to bring kingdom values into their day-to-day lives.

Fifth, it means a change in our lifelong mission. Some people are driven to accomplish great tasks with their lives. Others live aimlessly from day to day, lacking purpose or direction. Either way, Jesus affects the outlook of a person’s life. He gives His followers purpose and a mission—to live as subjects of the kingdom and promote kingdom values in everyday life and work. Ultimately, He wants His followers to extend His message to the ends of the earth, so that all people have the opportunity to give their allegiance to Him as their Savior and King.

Today, as you begin to reflect on the subject of “Christmas,” remember it really is the birthday of the King of kings! The real Joy to the World only comes to those who recognize and follow the King’s direction!