Sermon by Pastor Nathan Johnson, 4/13/25
In a world filled with wannabes and pretenders, it’s easy to lose sight of what true leadership and authority look like. We often find ourselves caught up in the spectacle of those who grab at power, crave adoration, and exaggerate their accomplishments. But amidst this chaos, there’s a profound truth we must remember: the real King has arrived.
This King isn’t voted into office or conferred power by mere mortals. He is inherently the King, possessing absolute authority that transcends time and human understanding. The Scriptures remind us that “every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess” to His sovereignty. It may not be apparent now, but there will come a day when all creation acknowledges His reign.
What sets this King apart? For one, His word is the only word that truly matters. In a world of constant chatter and conflicting voices, we can find solace in the fact that His word stands forever – perfect, flawless, and never failing. How many of us can testify to God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises?
Moreover, this King owns everything. From the beginning of time, before the earth was formed, before civilizations rose and fell, He held ownership. The Passion Translation beautifully captures this in its rendering of Psalm 24:1: “Every animal of the field and forest belongs to me, the Creator. I know every movement of the birds in the sky, and every animal of the field is in my thoughts.” This divine ownership extends to all the world’s riches – the silver, the gold, and resources we haven’t even discovered yet.
Reflect for a moment on the implications of serving a King with such vast resources and knowledge. It puts our worries about finances and provision into perspective, doesn’t it? As the old Sunday school song goes, “He’s got the whole world in His hands.”
But what should our response be to this real King? The Psalmist gives us a powerful image: “Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be lifted up, you everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in.” This isn’t just poetic language; it’s a call to action for our hearts.
Too often, the gates of our hearts are either locked down or lowered, preventing us from fully experiencing the presence and blessings of the real King. We limit God through our lack of reverence, our sporadic recognition of His authority, or our reluctance to rely on Him fully. Some of us only turn to God in emergencies, treating Him like a cosmic 911 service rather than the sovereign ruler of our lives.
The invitation is clear: we need to “take the top off” our expectations and remove the hinges that constrain our faith. When we do this – when we open ourselves fully to the King of glory – amazing things happen. His presence becomes known, His power is felt, and His plans for our lives become clearer.
Think about the times in your life when God has shown up in unexpected ways. Remember the battles He’s fought on your behalf, the victories He’s secured when all seemed lost. These are not coincidences; they’re the actions of a mighty King who is “armed and ready for battle” on behalf of His people.
This King goes by many names throughout Scripture – Jehovah, Adonai, El, Elohim – but we know Him most intimately as Jesus. He is, as Isaiah prophesied, the child born to us, the son given, upon whose shoulders the government rests. In a world that often seems chaotic and out of control, what peace we can find in knowing that Jesus, the King of glory, sits on the throne!
Here’s a beautiful truth: this King is always inviting people to become part of His kingdom. Unlike earthly nations with strict immigration policies, there’s no questioning of birthright citizenship in God’s kingdom. When you’re born again into the family of God, it’s a divine transaction that no earthly power can revoke.
The invitation to join this kingdom comes with an astounding promise – you don’t need to clean yourself up first or present a perfect résumé. The King simply says, “Come as you are.” He’s waiting to embrace you and make you His child forever, with no probationary period.
Imagine the relief of moving from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being willing. “Whosoever will, let him come,” the Scripture says. This transition doesn’t mean life will suddenly become challenge-free, but it does mean you’ll never face those challenges alone again.
As we reflect on the reality of this true King, let’s challenge ourselves:
- Are we living with the awareness that we serve an all-powerful, all-knowing King?
- Have we lifted the gates of our hearts, allowing Him full access to every area of our lives?
- Are we limiting God through our low expectations or lack of faith?
- Do we recognize His authority in both the major decisions and mundane moments of our days?
The real King has arrived, and He’s inviting each of us into a deeper, more transformative relationship with Him. It’s time to set aside our allegiance to the wannabe kings of this world and give our full devotion to the One who truly deserves it.
Let’s take a moment to pause and think about the goodness of our King. Consider His love, His grace, His power. How great is our God! As we go about our days, may we carry this awareness with us, allowing it to shape our actions, attitudes, and interactions with others.
The invitation stands. The real King is here. Will you open the gates of your heart and let Him in?