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Title: The Home of Forgotten Kings: Part Two Post by: Josprel on December 24, 2006, 11:16:40 PM The Home of Forgotten Kings
by Josprel Part Two John Wesley used to tell of how united his parents were an almost every subject, until one day a division occurred in Britain. Some wanted Prince Charles to rule; others were in favor of the Prince of Orange. Wesley’s parents were on opposite sides of the issue. One day the senior Wesley was going to London for church business and he noticed his wife was not preparing to go with him. “Why are you not preparing to travel to London with me?” he inquired. "Because I do not think Prince Charles should be king.” His wife replied. Hearing this, her husband responded, “Then we cannot live together; we must have two beds, for if we have two kings, we must have two beds.” He left and did not return until his king was on the throne. Drastic? Of course, but the John Wesley’s story reveals the intense loyalty some persons have to an earthly ruler. They are willing to leave home, family and friends out of loyalty the rulers of their choice. This being so, how much more loyal should believers be to Jesus Christ, the Ruler of the eternal ages? Our king has not asked us leave our families – did as the senior Wesley without means of support. However, He has asked that we propagate His saving mission and soon return as Ruler over all. The former emperors of China and Japan had men who were their exact doubles. At banquets and social affairs, in order to protect their lords, these doubles would often take their places. To accomplish this duty, they underwent intensive training to perfectly imitate the emperor. So honored did themselves at being chosen for the potentially dangerous task, that that the danger meant nothing to them. They would gladly have sacrificed their lives for the emperor. Believers have a king whom they must emulate. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Be imitators of me, as I am an imitator of Christ.” Two yesteryear hymnists composed a hymn pertinent to the theme of this article: “King of My Life I crown Thee Now.” “King of my life I crown Thee now. Thine shall the glory be. Lest I forget Thy thorn crowned brow, lead me to Calvary.” [Hymn: “Lead Me to Calvary,” by Jennie Evelyn Hussy; 1874 - 1958: and; William J. Kirkpatrict, 1838 - 1921]. Earthly kings are crowned with incredible pomp and pageant in a palace or a cathedral. Our king is crowned as “king of our lives” at the foot of the cross - at Calvary. His hands are a nail-scarred. His feet are nail-pierced. His side is spear gashed. His brow wore a crown of thorns. This is the crucified and risen King we take as our own at the foot of the cross. Some time ago, a naval vessel was sailing on the high seas, when it received a S.O.S call from a sinking ship. Speeding to the distressed vessel, the naval ship found men floundering in the in the ocean. Assuming command of a section of the rescue team, the chaplain ordered, “Throw everything that will float overboard to this men!” His men did so and one sailor tossed overboard the chaplain’s portable wooden altar that had a cross attached to its top. As it floated with the cross visible above the waves, the sailor shouted to the floundering men, “Cling to the cross! Cling to the cross and be saved!” Yes, that’s the message to all who have not called for the King of kings to return from the home of forgotten kings: to ascend the thrones of your hearts. Cling to His cross! Cling to His cross and be saved! Josprel welcomes comments from the readers of this article. -30- © Josprel josprel@verizon.net |