April 8: King of Kings
Last Sunday, we celebrated Easter—the day when churches around the world focus in a particular way on the joy and victory of Jesus rising from death to life. At our church, this past Sunday also marked the final day of our sermon series on the book of Matthew, and we concluded our series by rejoicing in the events of the resurrection and hearing the words of Jesus calling the Church to action:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
In the coming months, we plan to continue the story with a series on the book of Acts—and see the Church, in the name of the Father and Son and Spirit, with the presence of the risen Christ, follow God’s mission to make disciples of all nations.
As we transition from the story of Jesus’ life on earth to the story of the Spirit giving life to the Church, we will also transition from singing an old (wonderful) song, “How Deep the Father’s Love to Us,” to a new song (published in 2019), “King of Kings.” This song reviews the gospel narrative, then concludes in its final verse with a celebration of some of the gifts offered to us today—the Church, the Spirit, and Resurrection Life.
I encourage you to read one of my favorite passages—Ephesians chapters 1 through 3—in preparation for our April “Worship Song of the Month” devotionals. I have been looking for an opportunity to reflect on these chapters, which overflow with thanksgiving for the many “spiritual blessings” we have in Christ. And the beautiful and joyful way in which Paul includes the Church, the Spirit, and Resurrection Life in his list of blessings is an encouragement and inspiration to me, a lifelong participant in the Mission/Commission of Christ’s Church.
As we celebrate God working in and through us, we as a Church can join together and say:
“Praise the Father, Praise the Son, Praise the Spirit, three in one.
God of Glory, majesty, praise forever to the King of kings!”
carrie blythe davies 