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Season 2, Episode 9
For Friday, October 2, 2015
“O Worship the King”
HOST: Wade Webster
Show Notes:
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What comes to mind when you think of a king? Likely, things like robes, chariots, and castles come to mind. I know, at least, that these are the things that come to my mind when I think of a king. As we get ready to worship this week, I want us to think about some of these things so that we might better worship our King. No king ever wore a better robe, rode in a finer chariot, or dwelled in a better castle than our King.
Episode Transcript:
The New Testament clearly portrays Jesus in the role of King. Consider some examples:
First, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Matthew records that wise men came asking, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” (Mt. 2:2). Clearly, they were looking for a king.
Second, when Jesus entered Jerusalem in preparation for his death, he fulfilled the prophecy that stated, “thy King cometh unto thee, lowly, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass” (Mt. 21:1-9). As you recall, the people received him as a King, spreading their garments and branches before him.
Third, when Jesus stood before Pilate, and was asked whether he was a king, Jesus replied, “Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice” (John 18:37).
Fourth, when Jesus was on the cross, a placard was put above his head which read, “This is Jesus the King of the Jews” (Mt. 27:37). As you likely know, the Romans placed this inscription on the cross out of spite for the Jews. Much to the dismay of the Jews, the Roman authorities wouldn’t remove it or alter it (John 19:19-22).
Fifth, when Jesus was preached by the apostles, he was presented as the King (1 Tim. 1:17; Rev. 15:3). In fact, He was declared to be “the King of kings, Lord of lords” (1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 19:16).
Sixth, when Jesus stands with the world gathered before Him to be judged, He will do so as king. Matthew records, “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me” (Mt. 25:34-36).
Clearly, it is Biblical to speak of Jesus as King. Furthermore, it is Biblical to worship Him as such. While no earthly king is worthy of worship, Jesus is (Rev. 4:11). The song, O Worship The King, details some reasons why Jesus is worthy of our worship.
O worship the King, all glorious above,
O gratefully sing God’s power and God’s love;
our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days,
pavilioned in splendor, and girded with praise.
Thy bountiful care, what tongue can recite
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light;
it streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,
and sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.
Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,
in thee do we trust, nor find thee to fail;
thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end,
our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend
What comes to mind when you think of a king? Likely, things like robes, chariots, castles, and other things come to mind. I know, at least, that these are the things that come to my mind. As we examine these things, we will see how these things encourage us to worship our King.
His Clothing
We generally associate different clothing with kings. We think of the robes of royalty. Do you recall the purple robe which the soldiers put on Jesus when they were mocking Him (John 19:2, 5)?
The song speaks of the garments of our King. It speaks of Him as “girded with praise.” Furthermore, it speaks of His “robe” as “the light.” If you are familiar with the one hundred and fourth psalm, then you know that this is more than poetic license. It is Biblical language. We read, “Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain” (Psa. 104:1-2; cf. Psa. 93:1; Dan. 7:9; Mt. 17:2; Mk. 9:3; 1 Tim. 6:16; 1 John 1:5).
I believe that you will agree that no king has ever been clothed with such royal garments.
His Chariot
We generally associate different transportation with kings. We think of royal carriages and chariots (Ex. 14:5-6; Judg. 4:15; 1 Kings 12:18; 18:44; 2 Kings 9:16, 21). Although we have a President rather than a king in America, we think of the Presidential limousine, Air Force One, or Marine One.
Although we didn’t notice all of the verses of the song, the song speaks of “His chariots of wrath” and of His moving “on the wings of the storm.” Again, this is more than poetic license. We read, “Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind” (Psa. 104:3; cf. 18:10-11; 2 Sam. 22:11; Deut. 33:26; Psa. 68:4, 33; Isa. 19:1). One day, Jesus will come in judgment with the clouds as His chariot (Rev. 1:7).
I believe that you will agree that no king has ever ridden upon such a royal chariot.
His Castle
We generally associate different habitations with kings. We think of royal residences. We think of castles (1 Chron. 11:7). We think of the White House in which our President lives.
The song speaks of Jesus as “pavilioned in splendor” and of His “canopy” as “space.” Again, we turn to the 104th Psalm: “Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: Who layeth the beams of his chamber in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:” (Psa. 104:2-3; cf. Isa 40:22; Psa. 18:11; Amos 9:6).
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