We Have Another King

The apostle Paul had brought the gospel to Thessalonica. However, Satan was not sitting still. The Jews had stirred up certain lewd fellows of the baser sort against the Christians. A riot developed in front of the house of Jason, a Christian, where Paul had rented a room. However, when they could not find Paul, they dragged Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city.

The Christians were accused of setting the world in an uproar. The second accusation was: “These all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another King, one Jesus. They are rebels, for they refuse to acknowledge Caesar. They claim there is another King.”

In this accusation there is something false. Christians are not rebels. According to Romans 13 they acknowledge rulers as ministers of God. Yet in this accusation the coming conflict with the Roman rulers is foretold. Later, because the Christians refused to honor Caesar as God, many were put to death. And thus there is also truth in this accusation: There is another King, namely Jesus.

Caesar and King Jesus are set in contrast to each other in this accusation. Let us for a moment make a comparison between them. The emperor of Rome permitted himself to be worshipped as a god. In this we see the image of the self-exaltation of fallen man. We wish to be as God. Caesar had great power; the entire civilized world of that time acknowledged him. In every home sacrifices had to be made for him. Temples to his honor were everywhere. What is man! We would desire to climb up to heaven.

In comparison, see King Jesus. He does not need to make Himself a God, as does Caesar, for He is God, ; God of God, Light of Light. He is the King of kings. In the emperor we see j the darkness of sin; in King Jesus we see the light of God's tender mercies. In the emperor of Rome, Satan was speaking, calling unto men, “You shall be as God.” In King Jesus, God is speaking, “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” In King Jesus, God seeks that which is lost, and He Himself condescends to fallen man. The emperor of Rome bears the surname “Redeemer,” whereas King Jesus is the true Redeemer. In Him is salvation; His blood cleanses from all sins.

The enemies in Thessalonica had said, “These Christians have another King, one Jesus.” It is true, and Jesus is infinitely more than the emperor of Rome, yes, than all the powers of the world. Caesar had a mighty kingdom. But what is now left of it? The glory has departed. But Jesus has an eternal kingdom. Unto Him is given all power in heaven and in earth. The emperor of Rome was very wealthy, but there is no richer king than King Jesus. In Him you find all the treasures of divine grace. The Roman emperors gave the people bread and games, but what Jesus gives His people has eternal value. He has received gifts for men; yes, even for the rebellious.

Have you ever learned to see the value of King Jesus? You are a poor person, if you are still staring blindly at the power and the riches of this world. The splendor of the world passes away. And blessed are those who learn to bow before King Jesus. He reigns, not by might, nor by power, but so righteously, wisely, and tenderly. His dominion is a dominion of grace.

Where is His kingdom to be found? It is found where sinners bow before God, where you lie in the dust. It is where you experience godly sorrow and the crying out of the depth, but also a fleeing as a lost one unto Christ. It is where you sink away with everything, and come to rest alone upon the merits of King Jesus.

The enemies in Thessalonica had said, “Those Christians are people who say that there is another King.” And although they meant this slanderously, they did speak the truth. There is another King, namely Jesus. There is another power, infinitely much greater than all the powers of the world, namely the power of King Jesus.

Have you already become a subject of King Jesus? Then the Caesar who lives in your heart must die. Then the “I” of yourself must be killed; then you are no longer king. That is the work of the Holy Spirit. This Spirit breaks one down in himself. There lives in each heart: We will not have this Man to reign over us.

However, in the life of God's children the day of God's power dawns; then the “I” is dethroned, and our throne toppled. Our own kingdom collapses, so that a heap of rubble remains. How the world then becomes poor, and sin becomes bitter. Our self-righteousnesses are deficient, and we cannot appear before God with them. Then the emperor within must be done away, and there remains a condemned and damnable sinner, who learns to justify the Lord.

But upon the ruins of the emperor's kingdom the Lord Jesus is revealed. The Holy Spirit, who first gave us a view in our wicked heart and of God's justice, teaches us to view, by faith, King Jesus. A blessed view of faith! He is altogether lovely! Then King Jesus is infinitely more than all the powers of this earth.

Have you already been dethroned? Or have you always been able to maintain yourself? It is when we are nothing more than sinners that there is room for this King. Sinners are invited to this King. He receiveth sinners and eateth with them (Luke 15:2)! They come, led by divine light. They shall rejoice in their King. And, filled with amazement, they shall say what is said in the text, “We have another King, one Jesus. We'11 triumph through our King, by Israel's God exalted.”

What a wonder that His name is Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins. And there is yet room at the feet of this King. This King rules so righteously, wisely, and tenderly. It is so sweet to bow under the scepter of His grace. It is so blessed to follow in His footsteps, wherever He may lead. It is so blessed to be a subject of King Jesus and to be incorporated in regeneration by His Spirit into His kingdom.

Under His dominion we are eternally safe and secure. There the devil cannot reach us. And King Jesus conveys us through the night, no matter how dark and difficult, unto the eternal, blessed light. Indeed, then God's child will at times learn to stammer in amazement, “We have another King, one Jesus.” That which signified an accusation for the enemies in Thessalonica then becomes a matter of eternal joy for God's children.

But His crown shall ever flourish,
Blessed he His holy Name.

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