Somehow He Got It

8/17/2016

John 19.19-22 19 Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: Jesus of Nazareth, the king of the Jews. 20 Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. 21 The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” – St. John

In 1 Samuel 8 the people of Israel gathered in front on Samuel, the prophet and judge, and said: “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.” Samuel was greatly upset by this demand, but God instructed him to give into their wishes. So, Samuel went about the task of appointing a king for Israel.

God had always sought to be their King, but they couldn’t handle it, so they demanded a king, like the other nations have, and Samuel bowed to their wishes.

The things that happen in this world are not by accident and even in this instance, the perfect will and plan of God was accomplished by a selfish and rebellious people who attempted to throw off His yoke by making one for themselves.

A king for Israel – to them – meant strength and power and gain. Israel’s king would be a mighty warrior, and a perfect politician. He would provide for them, protect them, and they would produce for him. And his family. And court. He would be a king just like the other nations had.

Their dispute with Samuel was accountability: “…his sons did not follow his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.” And no one called them on it. It meant not all were getting their fair share. Someone’s piece of pie was bigger. Such is power in the hands of humans. So, God gave them what they demanded.

God typically answers prayer in four ways: Yes. No. Wait. And, If you insist. They insisted.

Several centuries later God gave them their true King, and they crucified Him. They couldn’t handle a King who was sold out to God. He even claimed to be God. (That was old news by then – many emperors claimed deity; even Caesar himself claimed that…) God’s King showed up, but not in the way they wanted. They still wanted a mighty warrior and politician and they got Jesus. They were disappointed.

So, at the crucifixion, when Pilate plastered a sign above Jesus that read: Jesus of Nazareth – the King of the Jews, they howled: That’s not our King! But kingdoms are not always about earthly might and power, and a chicken in every pot. Sometimes Kingdoms are about God. Theirs, like every other human kingdom, fell short.

Only God can be King. And Lord. And Savior. And Friend. Only God will call His subjects to come and dine with Him and partake in the rule and reign of His Kingdom. Only God can heal the human condition and bring true justice and peace. Pilate was right: “What I have written, I have written.” Somehow he got it.

Lead on, O King eternal, we follow, not with fears.

For gladness breaks like morning where'er Thy face appears.

 Thy cross is lifted o'er us; we journey in it's light.

 The crown awaits the conquest, lead on, O God of might. Amen