KING AND REDEEMER
Depending on the context, the word king conjures up different images. Throughout biblical history, there were as many kings and rulers marked by their greed, vengeance and cruelty as by their compassion and mercy. Power is incredibly seductive, and few individuals can wield it well. But here we see not only the power of God as our King, but also the compassion of God as our Redeemer.
The implications of both words, when taken together, are staggering. This King has every power, luxury, honor and glory at his disposal. However, instead of pronouncing ultimate judgment on human rebellion, God willingly paid that price to redeem his people. Amazingly, the God to whom humans owed their very lives as payment for sin took it upon himself to pay that debt on our behalf.
Though the Israelites had many earthly kings, God's intent for his people has always been for them not to follow an earthly ruler but instead to view and follow him and him alone as their true King. By becoming the Redeemer we needed, God has bought us and brought us back from the far country of disobedience. By his own gracious actions and for his glory, he has reestablished us in his kingdom.
Jesus, my King and my Redeemer, thank you for rescuing me from my disobedience. Help me to remember that I can do nothing worthwhile on my own power. Amen.
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