…Jesus answered him, ‘It is as you say.’ Matthew 27:11

Our country is in the throes of such political and social upheaval I’m finding it painful to remain an informed citizen. From news which is downright evil and disgusting to contradictory, confusing and untrustworthy information doled out daily, what is one to think any more? Some of my friends can’t turn off the news and listen 24/7; others refuse to listen at all. But neither being a news junkie nor becoming an ostrich buried in sand can solve our worsening dilemmas. The problems are moral ones and the only solutions are moral.

We need a king!

Such a statement seems ludicrous to 21st century Americans. Our country was founded in rejection of monarchy and on the principles of liberty and justice for all men. Despite opposing arguments about “freedom” or huffy offense at my remarks, I believe in both freedom and the need for a king. Social media warriors may not approve my solution, but they can’t find me. I’m not on their radar. Actually, I’d relish any firestorm which leads to conversation about Christ.

For of course I write about Jesus. He is the King we need desperately. I’m speaking of Jesus’ kingdom and His rule within our rebellious hearts which defy God Himself, much like Israel did in the Old Testament.
… But they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. 1. Samuel 8:7

The king we need is not of this world and certainly not political. This king reigns in God’s kingdom who has given Him all authority over heaven and earth. His kingship is not dependent on civilized processes or violent revolutions.
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now, My kingdom is not of this realm.” John 18:36 And again…
… the kingdom of God is within you. Luke 17:21

It is God’s kingdom and the only way into it is by being reborn, not of flesh but of the Spirit.
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. John 3: 5

There is a dangerous, false idea about “the kingdom being within you” which is fed by Gnosticism and currently advocates universal salvation for all people. Jesus never taught that we’re to set up our own personal empires, enthroning ourselves. That is the way the world operates and the resulting chaos is a growing disastrous tsunami. When God and His Son are rejected, it is every king and kingdom for itself. Jesus’ kingdom is of God who is divine, eternal and holy and Jesus alone is king thereof. All others are not. We should be warned.

Before His crucifixion, Jesus stood before His own people while Pilate offered an exchange: Jesus for Barabbas a murderer.
And Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” At this, they shouted, “Away with Him! Away with Him! Crucify Him!” “Shall I crucify your King?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” replied the chief priests. John 27:21-22

It is still the same choice. It is either Jesus, Prince of Peace, the eternal King who died for sinners and offers His kingdom to those who accept Him – or becoming subjects of the realm of the world, the flesh and the devil. It’s either Jesus on the throne or imperialistic, soulish Caesars who have usurped Him.