Sunday, November 24, 2024

King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and broader horizons

Today we celebrate Christ the King Sunday, and our readings included recognizing Jesus as "ruler of the kings of the earth" (Revelation 1:5). It is always a comfort to me that earthly rulers are not the ultimate authority; it may even be a comfort to the earthly leaders that they have a leader of their own (see David and Solomon). 

Momentarily, I felt left behind that the kings and rulers have someone as a backstop, someone who fulfills their tasks at a level above them. Then I reflected how often Jesus is compared to people in other roles. He is named Good Shepherd -- over the shepherds and all the rest of us. He was first "Fisher of men" over his disciples who were fishermen, who in turn become like him as fishers of men. He was Master of the Banquet in Cana. Physician over the physicians, and for us all. He is Great high priest over the priests, even over the high priest. He is Judge over the judges. He is Teacher over the teachers -- and himself the truth that they seek. And along those lines, whenever any of us need a father figure, God is our Father. 

When any of us is out of our depth, we have someone to turn to. And whenever we have a worthy job, we are in some ways like him. May his kingdom come, his will be done on earth as in heaven. 


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