No Audio this week
Now in putting everything in subjection to Jesus, God left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. 9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. (Hebrews 2)
Jesus is King.
And in His kingdom, there is left nothing outside of His control.
As we consider this stain glass window, we see that crown, and we are reminded who is King and who is in control.
It’s so important to see this and to hear this. The author of Hebrews says that At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to Him.
It doesn’t always seem like everything is in Jesus’ control.
It doesn’t always look like it.
And that’s all the more reason we need to see this window often and all the more reason we need to hear God’s promise often in this place where the window is.
Nothing is outside of the control of this king.
Jesus rules. No one else.
Jesus is king and His kingdom is coming and will finally come. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.
And this window is helping answer another important question.
It helps us answer, who is Lord, who is King?
But it also helps us answer, what does this King think of us? How does He rule?
Is He power hungry?
Is He cruel?
Is He selfish?
Does He only like a select few?
Is He only interested in me so that I can serve Him and His needs?
What does He do for His enemies?
What if I’m His enemy?
This is window is amazing, isn’t it?
Because the primary image isn’t the crown. It’s the cross.
The crown tells you Who is King and the cross tells you what this King thinks of you – how He rules.
This king chose to suffer that you might live forever.
He’s not power hungry – He glories in God, not in man.
He’s not cruel – He’s compassionate and merciful.
He’s not selfish – but gave Himself up for us all.
He doesn’t only like a select few – God so loved the world.
He’s not interested in you only so that you can serve Him – for He came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.
What does He do for His enemies – He dies for them.
What if you’re His enemy – you were, but not you have been brought into His family
This king willingly gave up His reign in heaven to come down for you, fully knowing He would be rejected and killed, have a crown of thorn put on His head – all so that you could reign with Him in His kingdom which has no end.
Look at this window and see your king coming to you, righteous and having salvation and look at this window begin to consider your present sufferings…
Christ was crowned with a crown of thorns before He was crowned Lord of all as both God and man, with all authority given to Him.
So begin to see past the thorns and see the crown of righteousness that is laid up for you in heaven.
Because as you consider the crown in Scriptures, you see a boat load of texts that is encouraging to not put your faith, hope and trust in this world, but in the kingdom which has no end.
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when He has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12)
or, my confirmation verse.
Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life (Revelation 2:10)
Consider your king and His kingdom –
Glory waits for you. Scripture in a mysterious way speaks of us reigning with Jesus.
Glory is waiting. A crown is waiting.
As we wait, we are called to faithfulness and sacrifice and service. We’re called to believe our King and His Word and to continually grow to be more and more like Him.