It Starts with a Good King
A place where justice rules, where mercy abounds, freedom rings, and each citizen matters, these are only part of the list of a good Kingdom’s attributes. It is a place of safety, and peace rests there. Sounding like a dream, or an idealistic utopian theory.
Many may doubt a good Kingdom is possible. But if one would have one, it would begin with a good King. The ruler at the top would need to be wise, unselfish, fair, diligent and attentive to the needs of all those who are lead.
Here is the description of the Christin Isaiah 9:6:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
A Scepter Symbol
Today’s Verse is Psalm 45:6-7
6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
A scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom.
7 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
With the oil of joy above Your fellows.
A prophecy of the Messiah, tells of his joy, his nature, and how he rules.
What is a Scepter ?
King of England with his royal symbols
The scepter probably has its origins in the shepherd’s staff or crook is the way one person describes it. It was a staff that represented authority.
This reminds me of one of the names of Jesus, The Good Shepherd. The shepherds staff had a purpose, the crook was useful for helping to care for the flock of sheep, and sometimes to save them from precarious places. The idea of authority having responsibility for care and welfare of those in their care is definitely a part of the symbolism.
Todays Advent symbol is the scepter of a king.
It gives us a picture of the fact that Christ was King, but the entire Christmas story provides us a view of the very different kind of ruler God had in mind.
His was born in a lowly way, proclaimed by heaven, but so unremarked by men that Herod the earthly king of that time was completely surprised by the idea that a rival royalty was born in his territory.
God had long before determined that the oppressive rule of sin, death, and the devil would end.
Our Heart, Our Kingdom
We determine whether God’s Kingdom will come to govern our hearts. Thankfully we have divine help.
If you wish to finally have the Lord in charge of your heart, to bring the goodness of his care for you into your life, you have only to ask him for it.
Anointing with oil was a sign that God had chosen you and given you a special calling. It also represented the joy and blessing found in the calling. We are given this within Christ.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank you for the gift of your oil of joy this season. We want your Kingdom to be formed within our hearts as we respond to your call on our lives. Help us to recognize you daily presence with us, and help us to continue choosing to follow Jesus every day. We give you thanks and praise today. In Jesus name, amen.
