Sunday 14th May 2023
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45 (NIV)
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The Servant King
There were many telling moments in the coronation service last weekend – perhaps none more telling than the opening words with which a chorister welcomed the King: “Your Majesty, as children of the Kingdom of God we welcome you in the name of the King of Kings.”
Here was a clear statement right at the start of the proceedings that there is a higher kingdom than the United Kingdom, that the King himself is to be welcomed as a guest in this kingdom, and that the one who is King also has a King, the King of Kings.
Those themes were underscored in the words with which the King responded: “In his name, and after his example, I come not to be served but to serve” – a clear echo of Jesus’ own words in Mark 10:45: “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”
In one sense, the King is the servant of God, who will use him as he chooses, whether the King likes it or not. Paul tells us that the governing authorities are established by God and that “the one in authority is God’s servant” (Romans 13:4).
But the King’s words were saying something more than this. They reflect a conscious decision on his part to be the servant of the people. I for one believe he is sincere in that commitment. We need to pray that he will be faithful to it, and that he will also see himself consciously serving God, the King of Kings, as being the best way to serve the people of this nation.
God our Saviour, King of Kings, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth, grant that King Charles and his government may serve this nation in such a way that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. Amen.
Yours warmly, in Christ,
Chris Hobbs (Senior Minister)