Today, the last Sunday of the Church Year we celebrate Christ as King!
Placed around the sancturary of Westminster Abbey – and indeed, in other churches, is a text from the Book of Revelation:
The Kingdoms of This World Are Become The Kingdoms of Our Lord, and of His Christ”
In the late nineteenth century the notion of a feast day to celebrate Christ as King at the climax of the Church year came to fruition! And of course in our reading from Matthew’s gospel this evening,
Jesus himself declares:
‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’
So what does this mean for us?! I have to say it makes me uneasy. For this elevation of the concept of kingship, plays, as was certainly its intention in the Abbey, it plays into our notion of society organised by hierarchy, with the Church positioned at the top -represented by its clergy, in particular its bishops!
Think the fierce and ultimately lethal conflict between Henry II and his archbishop and former friend, Thomas a Beckett. Is this not to be highly self-regarding in the search for our place, the place of the Church, in our social structures! Offering the assurance that our side is the winner – suggestting this is so – whatever circumstances on the ground which might suggest otherwise!
Indeed, this is a major purpose for the author of the Book of Revelation! But wait a minute, rather surely, the revelation of God in Christ turns our notions of power upside down!
The last first, and the first last!
And that includes our understanding of God!
Witnessed in the revelation of Christian God as Trinity!
So how are we to understand the absolute power of God?
In some Christian circles there is the notion that God’s all-powerful authority means every aspect of our life is now controlled by this Divine Mover. The big ‘daddy’ or ‘mummy’ in the sky, looking after us. In this thinking our task now to discover the path for our lives already mapped out in the mind of God!
Certainly when we come to God in prayer, seeking guidance and strength in the Holy Spirit, I believe God answers. Though not in the sense that there is one ‘right’ plan for all our lives – and if we fail to discern it, all other choices, will come in at second best!
For me, precisely what our difficult readings last Sunday morning were all about! That story of the talents, and servants left to make the most of what they have been given!
I once heard a preacher, explaining his understanding of divine guidance, throw out a powerful image – especially for those who love music!
It was this: God is not Mozart’s father. You probably know that Mozart’s father had a highly detailed itinerary mapped out for his children, telling them exactly what they should be doing, when and where!
Rather, this preacher said, God like the good parent, who provides all that their children might require – setting them off to pursue their own dreams!
We share responsibility for our futures with God, who has made us the gift of those talents – and the freedom to make our own decisions. It is up to us now to choose how we each run with, make the most of our gifts!
Up to us to put in the time and the energy and the discipline! So it is good to note a significant detail at the end of our reading tonight from Matthew’s gospel: “The disciples worshipped the risen Lord – though some doubted.”
The Eleven are still wavering between adoration and indecision, between prayer and puzzlement. But this does not exclude them from Jesus’ great Commission.
They still have their place at the table with him – their place in his mission.
In the same way that David’s manifold failures have not ultimately excluded him from God’s blessing as king, God’s blessing on his people. That beautiful promise:
‘One who rules over people justly, ruling in the fear of God, is like the sun rising on a cloudless morning!
So right now, what does our celebration of Christ as King mean for us, followers of the man who laid down his life, gave up his power, in order that others might live!?
Of course it IS vindication – vindication of such foolishnessas to accept his fate of Roman crucifixion. This concept tells us WE may walk easy in our own skin as we walk in his footsteps, unworried by whether we rise to the top – or not!
In this place what inner freedom beckons! Reason enough to trust in the God who emptied himself to be born in the stable! Amen.