[0:00] In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.! First understand that Jesus Christ is our King, our Lord, and our God.
[0:40] For if we approach heaven's throne any other way, if we approach heaven's throne more with the mindset that Jesus Christ is simply our friend, our pal, or our buddy, our worship is going to look very, very different.
[1:04] And that's not to say that Jesus Christ is not our friend, because he is. But that is to say that at least biblically speaking, we have far more references to Jesus Christ as our King in the New Testament than we ever do to Jesus Christ as our friend.
[1:31] For to primarily focus upon Jesus Christ as our friend is to somewhat assume that our relationship with the Lord is more one of equality, which means that our worship would be far less formal, far less reverent, and far less demanding.
[1:57] For rather than kneeling before the throne of God in awe and wonder, we could all just sit comfortably in our seats, drinking our lattes, and nonchalantly chatting it up with the God of all creation.
[2:16] But what do the scriptures show us in regard to worship? Well, I can tell you that in the Old Testament, no one was going to the Temple of Jerusalem just to sit comfortably, drink lattes, and have a little chit-chat with the Almighty.
[2:38] That's for sure. And of course, you can say, well, that's just the Old Testament. Because in the New Testament, we actually get a brand new, kinder, gentler, and softer version of God.
[2:55] But just remember that if you say that, you are also denying what is written in Hebrews chapter 13, which says, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
[3:13] And if anyone denies that, well, I'm just going to be very blunt here and say, if anyone denies that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, that person is wrong, that person is a heretic, and that person needs to repent.
[3:38] For the God of the Old Testament truly is the same God of the new. For Jesus Christ is both God and King.
[3:50] And that is why the worship we see in the Old Testament, all those instances of bowing and kneeling and falling down before the Holy of Holies in awe and wonder, well, that Old Testament worship is exactly what we see in the New Testament as well.
[4:13] For in the book of Revelation chapter 4, we read, And they all, they all gave glory and honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever.
[4:28] And the 24 elders fell down before him who sits on the throne and worshiped him who lives forever and ever. and they cast their crowns before the throne.
[4:42] And why do the 24 elders cast their crowns down before the throne? They do it because they recognize that this is not an equal relationship.
[5:01] They do it. They cast their crowns because they recognize that only one is truly worthy to wear the crown. And only one is truly worthy to be worshipped and adored as King above all.
[5:19] And it isn't them. It isn't those 24 elders. And it isn't you. And it isn't me.
[5:32] It is Christ the King. For the gospel is much more than just our personal friendship with Jesus.
[5:46] Because the scriptures clearly teach us that believers are to be a part of a kingdom. And the gospel is much more than just us simply acknowledging that Jesus Christ died for the sins of the whole world.
[6:03] Because the scriptures clearly teach that we have a King who we are called to worship, to honor, and to obey.
[6:18] For in this morning's gospel our Lord Jesus Christ boldly tells Pontius Pilate, you say rightly that I am a King.
[6:34] And for this cause I was born. And for this cause I have come into the world.
[6:47] That I should bear witness to the truth. everyone who is of the truth hears my voice. So do we have a King?
[7:06] And if the answer is yes, then how do we worship, honor, and obey our King? He who is much, much more than just a good friend.
[7:23] By God's grace, may our answer not only be found in the way we worship and pray, but most especially in how we live every day of our lives.
[7:37] For it is true that actions speak louder than words. As our Lord himself shows us through his very death upon the cross.
[7:50] Therefore, all praise to Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews and Lord over all. For let no one be mistaken.
[8:05] This is the gospel. This is the good news of our faith. Jesus Christ is King.
[8:18] In the name of the Father and of the Son of the Holy Ghost. Amen.