There is a joke we often refer to in my family about two people, who were outside enjoying a cool, clear evening. One comments to the other about the beauty of God’s creation and the music they can enjoy as they rock in their rocking chairs. The other responds, “Yes, such amazing music. I wonder how they do it.”
“I believe they do it by rubbing their legs together.”
“What?! The choir up the road at the little church makes fine music by rubbing their legs together?!”
“No, silly. I was talking about the nightly music of the crickets.”
It is so easy to think we know what we are talking about. And when the Jews repeated the prophecies about Jesus with hope and anticipation, they expected a great political king that would free them from Roman bondage.
However, “... the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28).
This unexpected king broke the mold of their expectations and avoided the kingship, as they would’ve designed it.
“Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself” (John 6:15). He withdrew to talk with his Father—seeking the will of the One who reigns supreme, forever and always.
And in the intense political climate that pervades many countries across the world, I am relieved to remember and declare the overarching theme of the book of Revelation: “God reigns.”
God reigns in our hearts and He reigns supreme, even if we feel that others have gained the upper hand or that our world is spinning out of control.
Inasmuch as the Jews misunderstood the coming of the Christ, an unexpected king, may we celebrate the reign of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords in the kingdom that will never pass away.