I continue to study Ann Spangler's "Praying the Names of God" and linking up with Jill of Forever N Ever N Always.
This week our focus is on God as King or Melek.
For the Israelites, the temple in Jerusalem was an earthly symbol of God's heavenly throne. They looked forward to the day when their Messiah would come, save them from their enemies and establish His Kingdom over all the earth.
Jesus is presented as the King of kings in the New Testament. His perfect obedience would bring forth the Kingdom of heaven.
Ann wrote about how the Israelites thought of Yahweh as their King. But as you may recall, the Israelites eventually wanted to be like the other nations and have an earthly monarch or king.
In 1 Samuel 8:19,20:
" ...We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles."
As I've read through the Old Testament, these earthly kings were far from perfect. Some followed God. Others depended on themselves making alliances and turning to other gods, leading the people away from the true God of Israel.
How am I like the Israelites?
Do I look to our government leaders to solve the problems in our country and world?
Am I enthralled with the romance of monarchies?
Lest you laugh at that last point, think of how many of us are fascinated with kings, queens, and princesses today.
I remember being glued to the TV that day when a girl named Diana married Prince Charles to become Princess Diana. It looked so romantic and perfect on the outside. But we know how that tragic story ended.
I also remember the day when an American woman named Lisa Halaby married King Hussein Abdullah of Jordan to become Queen Noor. To me that was so very exciting!
Then there was the story of a movie star named Grace Kelly. She gave up her career to marry Prince Ranier of Monaco. Although I was just a baby when they married, I loved to see pictures and stories of their lives.
Think of Jackie Kennedy. President Kennedy was as close to royalty in the mind of many Americans. However, we now know that fairy tale life was far from perfect.
I'm not suggesting that it's wrong to enjoy stories of kings and queens and princesses. But earthly kings, princes and princesses are human and imperfect.
The only One who will not disappoint is Jesus! Even today while in this present world of imperfection, He can rule in my heart.
As I pray to Yahweh Melek, I am praying to the God who "...watches over the whole earth and who will one day come in glory to usher in an eternal kingdom of peace and righteousness". (Ann Spangler)
Are you living under His rule in your heart and life?
Do you believe that one day He will set up His perfect Kingdom?
Are you living like you really believe that?
I've much to learn about God as King or Melek. How about you?
Blessings and love,
Lisa Halaby married King Hussein of Jordan. King Abdullah is the son of King Hussein and Princess Muna.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed this post!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for that correction anonymous. You are right. I think it was early when I wrote this post. :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome post Debbie - learning and living to be still under our KING!
ReplyDeleteLove you!
Jill
almost forgot to answer one of your questions - most of the clothes you see our children in are hand-me-downs! i only buy new clothes for lexi, lilly, jordan and abigail. such a blessing!
ReplyDeletelove you,
jill
I think people are so attracted to stories of princes and princesses, kings and queens, because we love the romance of the stories. We long to be swept off our feet (even vicariously!) However, like you wrote, human royalty is imperfect. How wonderful it is to have a true perfect King. Praise God that we are considered Daughters of that King! With Him, our lives are better than a fairy tale!
ReplyDeleteLiving for Him, Joan
Yes I am still learning more and more about my King....I hope to continue learning and loving until the day I die...there is soooooooo much to learn.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing and for the reminder,
Janette
VEry nice post. That last question. Wow. I really hope I am.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun way to teach this lesson on KING today! You know how I love a good graphic. It is something that helps make the point to me - always!
ReplyDeleteLove this Debbie... don't forget, I'm 'almost a princess!' :)
Hugs sister!
Sonja
I think with royalty comes power. But all these earthly kings will not last. Only One does! I'm still a big work in progress trying to get to know more of the King of kings. Great post sister Debbie. I love your questions at the end. Thought provoking! God bless you.
ReplyDeleteI think of God as my Father and King!
ReplyDeleteI love your posts on Praying the names of God. I also loved the way you included pictures of this world's royalty. We all know them, and are thrilled and fascinated to read about their lives.
ReplyDeleteWhether real or fairy tale, I have always loved stories about royalty.
But what strikes me most about your post is that there is a real King, and a real kingdom, and we are all part of that if we have given our lives to Jesus as our rightful King.
Thank you for this post, Debbie.
You are such a blessing to me.
Love
Lidj
There's an old hymn that my mom use to sing, it's one of my favorites also......
ReplyDelete"My Father is rich is houses and land, He holdeth the wealth of the world in His hands, Of rubies and diamonds, or silver and gold, His coffers are full, He has riches untold. I'm a child of the King, a Child of the King, With Jesus my Savior, I'm a child of the King."
Praise God.
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