This Sunday we celebrated Christ as the King. From our reading from Colossians we know that Christ is King of the whole of creation. 'In him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church, he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.'
That obviously includes the whole of the natural world and all humans. In the book of Revelation(19:16) we read that Jesus Christ is 'King of Kings and Lord of Lords'
In this 'interactive' sermon, the question to reflect on was, 'how should we act as his 'subjects'? What does it mean practically in everyday life that Jesus is our King?
Various people contributed: Jesus wants us to be there for others, maybe through small ways of helping during a difficult time. Shopping etc.
The church community, it was said, should be a place that attracts others. Seeing how we live and interact with one another – a place of support and encouragement.
Paul wrote much in his letters about becoming true disciples. How we must learn through the 'transforming of our minds' to become more Christlike. This transformation will change not only our mindset but also our lifestyle and the way we relate to others.
Above all, everything we do should be marked by a generosity of spirit. I well remember Bishop Graham Cray talking about the generosity of God and how we should reflect this in our lives. Not just in our giving but in all things. In the water at baptism, in the wine and bread at Communion, in the giving of our time and talents.
And finally, we were reminded that Jesus says in John 's Gospel: "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do." These 'works' bear witness to who Jesus is and John in Chapter 14 records that Jesus says believers will also carry on his work by his power and do the kinds of things that will "bear witness" to Jesus. These works will point people to Jesus and through Jesus to God the Father. In Mathew 5:16 we read: "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." In this sense, all Christians do these works as they live their lives in Jesus' footsteps. Food for much thought and prayer...!
'God the Father, help us to hear the call of Christ the King,
And to follow in his service, whose kingdom has no end;
For he reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, one Glory.'
Collect for Christ the King
Elizabeth Bussmann