In my humble opinion, our country seems to have transitioned and embraced having a King rather well. King Charles III, it would appear, has been well received so far and despite the unwanted headlines and stories coming from (prince) Harry, he seems to have much support from the public. His first Christmas Day speech was excellent and gave a brief insight into his own faith in God, which was encouraging. I hope he would be able to say the words of our verse for this week.
“Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.”
(Psalm 5:2 – NIV)
The British Army swear allegiance to the King, here are the words they say:
“I swear by almighty God that I will be faithful, and bear true allegiance to his Majesty King Charles III, his heirs, and successors, and that I will as in duty bound, honestly and faithfully defend his Majesty, his heirs, and successors in person, crown and dignity, against all enemies, and will observe and obey all orders of His Majesty, his heirs, and successors and the generals and officers set over me“.
It’s quite some statement! As Christians we have given our life to Jesus, I hope we have sworn our true allegiance to Him, to be loyal, to be faithful. Like the British army serve King Charles III, we (the army of the Lord) serve God, we serve Jesus who is King or kings. Not out of a sense of duty but out of our relationship, that we would honestly and faithfully defend our faith and be obedient to His instruction as we follow His way.
David here in this Psalm uses the phrase “my King and my God…” it’s personal and heartfelt, it speaks of coming to him with humility and reverence but notwithstanding closeness. David is pleading with God to help him, to hear his cry and speak into his situation, to see his servant (his soldier) and respond. We pray to God “for to you I pray.”, who is King, there is no one else, no one higher, no one who can out-rank Him, no one who can respond and help any better than my King and my God. We can go right to the top, because not only are we his servants but also his children.
Picturing God as King should stir us to be humble and obedient, to serve and to defend, to live faithfully and in loyalty.
As you reflect on this picture of God this week, take time to consider ‘How it makes you feel?’, what God as King means to you. Here are a few more verses to help us as we ponder on:
‘My King and My God’.
“For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise.”
(Psalm 47:7)
“But God is my King from long ago; he brings salvation on the earth.”
(Psalm 74:12)
“Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God.”
(Psalm 84:3)
“For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.”
(Psalm 95:3)
