Christ the King

Dear Friends in Christ,

Greetings on this final Sunday of the year - the feast of Christ the King.

This, the last Sunday of the Church year, celebrates the coming of the Son of Man on the clouds heaven at the end of time! In every century, Christians have found immense consolation from these readings. Just when we seem to be heading for cosmic, social, and personal disaster, we are reminded that God is still in charge, and that we belong to a kingdom that will never fail us, an eternal kingdom of justice, peace, and love The gist of the message this week is found in the writings of two great visionaries—the old testament prophet, Daniel, and the new covenant writer, John. Although they are “dream visions,” we can confidently believe that they are truly the Word of God. Daniel wrote at a time of great distress for the Jews under the Greek ruler, Antiochus Epiphanes II. Such visions gave the people courage to endure. In John’s time, Christians were already suffering persecution under the Emperor Domitian. Again, apocalyptic visions helped them be patient for the Son of Man’s arrival in the clouds. In the Gospel, Jesus boldly affirms to Pilate that He is that Son of Man who will come on the clouds of heaven as a king. In effect, Jesus is saying, “Don’t worry, Pilate. I’m not here to take your job, or to dethrone Caesar, for my kingdom is not political but spiritual. It’s not on your maps!"Neither Pilate nor the political leaders of our own day believe in the practical reality of spiritual kingdoms. Nations rise and nations fall, but Christ’s kingdom will triumph into eternal life! Every living follower of Christ has reason to find meaning and purpose in the wonderful prophecy of John today: “To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood, Who has made us into a kingdom, priests for His God and Father, to Him be the glory and power forever and ever. Amen.”May those words serve to melt all pessimism, doubt, and despair about the ultimate triumph of good over evil, and of the effectiveness of our witness through prayer and, yes, suffering as we struggle in faith towards our future. Many of us still remember that glorious hymn we used to sing in Latin “Christus vincit. Christus regnat. Christus imperat!” Christ conquers! Christ rules! Christ reigns supreme!

With every good wish in Christ,

Ed Bakker