MAKING PLANS TO BE KING

If you are going to be king, you must be called, anointed, and acknowledged. It is not enough to feel a calling to leadership; God must always affirm that calling through others. He has always worked that way.

Jeroboam was told by Ahijah what his future would be, privately. I assume that was good. He was called, even though he was not of royal lineage. But until his call is acknowledged by others in due time, it is the season for Jeroboam to wait. Reading between the lines, I think that he did not wait well, because for some reason, Solomon the king was trying to kill him, and he had to flee into exile. Perhaps he was trying the technique that Solomon's brother Absalom had used, to surreptitiously win the hearts of the people after himself.

James tells us not to boast about future plans. If God sets it in my heart to move to such and such a city, wisdom says that I should not say how long I will stay or what success I will have there. Instead, I ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, I will live and accomplish these things." There is a subtle but significant difference. I may know what promise God has whispered in my ear, but pridefully trying to make it happen is out of line.

Jesus was born the King of the Jews. He didn't have to make Himself such, anymore than He had to work to achieve being God's only begotten Son. In the Triumphal Entry, He could come riding on a donkey. He didn't need to do any self-promotion, for He was called by birth, anointed by baptism and duly acknowledged by the crowds.

Yet, notice that Jesus silently lost it all. Within a week, His very Kingship was what became controversial and provided the legal means for His crucifixion by the Roman government. And over His head, Pilate had the words placed, "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." Jesus, from nowhere important, the naked, dying King. And He let it happen.

Let me be candid here: I want to be king. What I mean is, I want to be important, to be a leader, to be used for something big. God has whispered some promises in my ear in that regard. But it would be wrong for me to pursue my calling through selfishly ambitious ends, or to try to maintain my position through human means. If I am to be like Jesus, then I must bear my kingship (aka, my role as husband, father, mentor, elder, worship leader) as Jesus did: with a loose grip and a heavenly vision. There is joy set before me, and if I have to endure a shameful cross or a lifetime of waiting to receive it, then I am willing.

"LORD, I am being very personal when I talk about these things. You know my heart. You know what's best for me. So I trust You, and I refuse to wallow in disobedient self-pity or to try to run ahead. I am Your servant, and that is all that matters. As Jesus wishes, Amen."
-ker