Sermon “Who Would Be a King?” Intro: God became so repulsed by mankind during the days of Noah, that He decided to end them. Of course if WE lived then, we would have been on the ark, because WE are not like “those people”. But IF we were to go through a time like that again …it could be pretty easy to see God as not caring about mankind, meaning ME, because everything would be ending by His Hand. Gen 6:5 5Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil {rah-raw-ah – misery, wretchedness, sorrow} continually. 6And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. Ps 140:2 2 Who plan evil {rah-raw-ah – misery, wretchedness, sorrow}things in their hearts; They continually gather together for war. SO …WHY not destroy all this Creation and begin again or not even start anew? Mt 24:2121For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. That is exactly what is going to happen …again. BUT there is something about the process of WHY it happens, that we Americans are not able to understand. Others in history, and currently in other parts of the world could understand this vital part of God’s Plan. But we Americans think it really is kind of silly. No …really. Let me show you … Video - ‘Queen Elizabeth 2 – Golden (50th) Jubilee (2002)’ – Gold Coach and parade past thousands in street cheering. Choir singing “Zadok the Priest”, the coronation hymn. This king and queen and royalty stuff is fine for people who used to have it, but we left that a long time ago when we became independent of royalty. Besides, even God told Samuel that when the people of Israel demanded a king over them, that they had not rejected Samuel, they had rejected God by asking for a king. So kings are not something God wants …wait! WE are to be kings and priests in the Kingdom and rule with Jesus Christ. What is royalty about? We know that kings have extravagant wealth while their people do not. Video of Crown, etc. ‘Monarchy, Royal Symbols’ - “Monarchy is Symbolic”, and Monarch’s grandest symbols are kept at the Tower of London – the Crown Jewels. We see the wealth accumulated by the royals, and allowed, even enthusiastically by the subjects of the king and queen. What are we missing when it comes to what a king really is? AND we know that the idea of royalty has existed throughout history everywhere. Video of - Tsar Nicholas II Coronation (ruled from 1894 -1917 as last royal over Russia, was “Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russias, Grand Prince of Finland, King of Poland, now a saint of the Russian Orthodox Church) – (Silent, Black and White). Such “setting apart” of royalty from normal life has been going on with the support of the people of the kings throughout history. Benefit Statement: Since we will be kings and priests in the Kingdom of God and rule with Jesus Christ, we should look into what the rest of the world, and the rest of history knows about royalty and kings. Why would rational people put up with that? And why did God tell Samuel that Israel had rejected HIM when they asked for a king, when God will use a royal government of kings in His Kingdom? SPS: Let’s clear this up by answering the question …”Who Would Be a King?” Body: 1) To start with, a king doesn’t have to do much to become king except be born, right? That’s because royalty is decided by parentage. (First clue about being a King in God’s Family.) Fox News - Genealogist: Almost Everyone on Earth Descended From Royalty Even without a documented connection to a notable forebear, experts say the odds are virtually 100 percent that every person on Earth is descended from one royal personage or another. "Millions of people have provable descents from medieval monarchs," said Mark Humphrys, a genealogy enthusiast and professor of computer science at Dublin City University in Ireland. "The number of people with unprovable descents must be massive." By the same token, for every king in a person's family tree, there are thousands and thousands of nobodies whose births, deaths and lives went completely unrecorded by history. We'll never know about them, because until recently vital records were a rarity for all but the noble classes. It works the other way, too. Anybody who had children more than a few hundred years ago is likely to have millions of descendants today, and quite a few famous ones. Take King Edward III, who ruled England during the 14th century and had nine children who survived to adulthood. Among his documented descendants are presidents (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams, Zachary Taylor, both Roosevelts), authors (Jane Austen, Lord Byron, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Elizabeth Barrett Browning), generals (Robert E. Lee), scientists (Charles Darwin) and actors (Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, Brooke Shields). Some experts estimate that 80 percent of England's present population descends from Edward III. "Give Your Pedigree the Royal Treatment: Researching Noble Lines" by Eugene A. Stratton, FASG. Most families are ordinary, not special, and ethnic intermarriage, intergenerational conflict, and "running away from home" are certainly as American as the rural or small-town arcadias of Norman Rockwell and Grandma Moses. Beside these bittersweet facts, however, is the grand revelation that probably sixty percent or more of the American people are descended from kings. This descent is usually derived through roughly 350 royally descended immigrants of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. In addition to the royal descents of perhaps 150 million or more Americans, probably 30 million are distantly related (eighth to twelfth cousins) to the late Diana, Princess of Wales and her sons, Princes William and Henry. Still think royalty is far from you? They are superior and above the rest of us, right? Video of ‘Queen Elizabeth 2 – Crown, Legacy, Royalty’ – She shows how large the Cullinan diamond (lesser Star of Africa, 317.4 carats) once was before it was broken up for the royal crown and scepter (containing the Great Star of Africa, 545.67 carats, 109.13 grams, ). This piece ends with the realization that such wealth is a legacy of royalty going back generations. Generations of special leaders who were the “source of power”. Not only do they have almost unlimited wealth, but they LOOK higher than all of us. Regal Video of ‘HRH Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, leads victory over Japan march’. This would seem to prove that such ceremony only serves to prove the point that royalty has gone by the historic wayside. It served its purpose, but is certainly out of date in this modern world. Why? 2) Well, Jesus Christ was prophesied to be and is a King. He said He was when Herod asked Him. He is a King right NOW. And WE are to be disciples (imitators) of the King. (((Mt 27:11 11Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.”))) Lk 19:36 37Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, 38saying: “‘Blessed is the King [basileus-notion of “foundation of power”] who comes in the name of the LORD!’ Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” 40But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.” Eccl 8:2 2I say, “Keep the king’s commandment for the sake of your oath to God. 3Do not be hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand for an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him.” 4 Where the word of a king is, there is power; And who may say to him, “What are you doing?” Even though Christ is King of the Kingdom Family of God, we humans rejected Him in favor of a human king. Jn 19:14 14Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” 15But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him! ”Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?”The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!” There MUST be something we Americans are missing about kings. We are His imitating students or "disciples" Lk 12:37 37Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird {perizōnnumi – to wrap tightly}himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. Jn 13:5 3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, 4rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. 5After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. {perizōnnumi – to wrap tightly} 6Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?” 7Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” Being THIS kind of King is NOT about getting …but giving …serving …sacrificing …like Christ the King …Who is God …AND has shown His Church what Agapeo Loving Kingship and Godship IS! 1 Tim 2:1 1Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Lk 22:24 24Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 25And He said to them, “THE KINGS OF THE GENTILES EXERCISE LORDSHIP OVER THEM, AND THOSE WHO EXERCISE AUTHORITY OVER THEM ARE CALLED ‘BENEFACTORS.’ 26BUT NOT SO AMONG YOU; ON THE CONTRARY, HE WHO IS GREATEST AMONG YOU, LET HIM BE AS THE YOUNGER, AND HE WHO GOVERNS AS HE WHO SERVES. 27For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I AM AMONG YOU AS THE ONE WHO SERVES. 28“But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. 29And I BESTOW UPON YOU A KINGDOM, JUST AS MY FATHER BESTOWED ONE UPON ME, 30that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and SIT ON THRONES JUDGING THE TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL.” They are to sit on 12 thrones …as a Servant, not as the kings of the gentiles have done. What are royals really like when they have not ascended to the throne by evil selfish means? Video of ‘HRH Prince Charles – Harmony’ – Here we begin to see what a royal can be like. {He even makes the observation that he finds that he is born into life in “this position” …for a purpose. He can see that there is a “purpose” to royalty, engineered by the Higher Power Who put Charles here, and now.} Royal persons are above politics, as WE see politics. They are not lobbying for power, influence, position, value for self. They are without fear of want for necessities, or even luxuries. This puts a royal in the unique position of granting power to their subjects. Power to improve, to grow, to realize full potential, to form a great fellowship in the midst of a world in turmoil. That’s one reason Israel wanted a king instead of a prophet (before they should have moved into becoming world leaders as a nation ..by the king’s hand – yet morally immature to do so.) 'HRH Prince Charles – Harmony Clip’ – And what of the royal Prince Charles? He must certainly be a superior human, in his own mind anyway. He is used to daily proof that he is above us all …right? He couldn’t even relate to the ‘common’ American peasant, of course. Correct? Clip ‘Queen Elizabeth first royal TV broadcast ever, 1957’ – What would we find this person who has such wealth, power, value, renown, pride, near God-like status, to be like in person? This is what a king is like. Someone who has nothing to prove, not taking from you. She has more than any of us, and not seeking in our adoration. She has the empowering leader of the people she serves. So …what is she really like? A royal, even a flawed human one, is equipped to empower the larger family that is a nation! 3) This is all about God’s Family. His Family is in the larger sense, His Kingdom. Your family is your kingdom. Successful parents empower the family to accomplish and build. That’s what a king does with the larger family of his nation. He is so equipped. 1 Jn 3:1 1Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of £God! Therefore the world does not know £us, because it did not know Him. 2Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. Rom 8:16 16The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. Families build nations. Parents build families. Kings empower nations. God builds His Kingdom Family. Royal Norwegian Family Nobel Prize Ceremony’ – We see that there is normalcy in family, even when the family is royal and adored by those they serve. Clip - 'Queen Elizabeth 2 and king Harald Norway Friends’ – Again we see how remarkable is the friendship and relative normalcy of royal life as it relates to family and friends, even among nations. The larger(nation) family publically celebrates the royal who is the foundation of power. Clip - ‘Queen Elizabeth II Coronation 1953’ – The pace of life slows noticeably. We see the recognition of all that the power of leadership is in the hands of the rightful descendant of kings. (((Rev 1:5 5and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, 6and has made us £kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.))) Rev 5:6 9And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, 10AND HAVE MADE US KINGS AND PRIESTS TO OUR GOD; AND WE SHALL REIGN ON THE EARTH.” Rev 21:1 1Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. GOD HIMSELF WILL BE WITH THEM AND BE THEIR GOD. 4And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for THE FORMER THINGS HAVE PASSED AWAY.” 5Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said £to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” 6And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7HE WHO OVERCOMES £SHALL INHERIT ALL THINGS, AND I WILL BE HIS GOD AND HE SHALL BE MY SON. 8But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” 9Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came £to me and talked with me, saying, “COME, I WILL SHOW YOU THE £BRIDE, THE LAMB’S WIFE.” 10And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, AND SHOWED ME THE GREAT CITY, THE £HOLY JERUSALEM, DESCENDING OUT OF HEAVEN FROM GOD, 11having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. 22But I SAW NO TEMPLE IN IT, FOR THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY AND THE LAMB ARE ITS TEMPLE. 23The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine £in it, for THE £GLORY [doxa – dignity, honor] OF GOD ILLUMINATED IT. THE LAMB IS ITS LIGHT. 24And THE NATIONS OF THOSE (WHO ARE SAVED) SHALL WALK IN ITS LIGHT, AND THE KINGS OF THE EARTH BRING THEIR GLORY [doxa – dignity, honor] AND HONOR INTO IT. 25Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). 26And THEY SHALL BRING THE GLORY AND THE HONOR OF THE NATIONS INTO IT. 27But THERE SHALL BY NO MEANS ENTER IT ANYTHING THAT DEFILES, or causes an abomination or a lie, BUT ONLY THOSE WHO ARE WRITTEN IN THE LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE Conclusion: Kings in God’s Kingdom are servants of the Creation they rule. They give their Life for the Family they empower to give their Life for and so on for all eternity. Such sacrificing is what we are taught by example to learn to do. We are being equipped to serve when there is difficulty in doing so. Christ did it first. The Apostles did it. The early Church did it. Now we learn to be kings. 1 Pet 2:13 13Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 15For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— 16as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 17Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. [small “k” is still …the foundation of power] Clip - ‘Entire mass gathering sing – God Save the Queen – national anthem of England’ Now notice what it is they are actually singing. “God save our gracious Queen, Long live our noble Queen, God save the Queen: Send her victorious, Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us: God save the Queen". The words are on the screen as they sing them. This gathering is a foretaste of the honor and indeed Glory brought by the “kings of the earth” to the New Jerusalem and presented to the King of kings, AFTER the millennium. Kings who have finally understood and practiced, not just religion, morality, Godly civilization and Character, but support of and unifying of and empowering of the potential of ALL Peoples who choose to join with true Way of Life, this Way of selfless service in God’s Kingdom. “God save our gracious Queen, Long live our noble Queen, God save the Queen: Send her victorious, Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us: God save the Queen. Thy choicest gifts in store, On her be pleased to pour; Long may she reign: May she defend our laws, And ever give us cause To sing with heart and voice God save the Queen.” Close: 2 Tim 4:7 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Finally, THERE IS LAID UP FOR ME THE CROWN {same word – stephanos, used as crown given to the Christ in Rev 6:2} OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, which THE LORD, THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, WILL GIVE TO ME ON THAT DAY, and not to me only but ALSO TO ALL WHO HAVE LOVED HIS APPEARING.