Some of you may have seen the controversial painting of the president called “The Truth,” no less, that depicts him with a crown of thorns on his head with his arms stretched out holding open black curtains wherein he is about to veil or has already unveiled the presidential seal behind him.  

"The Truth" by Michael D'Antuono

Is he being depicted as the crucified, sacrificial public servant that rescues the world from the brink of the present economic disaster or being depicted as the glorified, humble king that triumphs through trial and tribulation to where he elevates the office of the president to that of Christ’s.  Is he the Truth that everyone, even the world, has been waiting for to set them free from social and economic oppression?  

According to the artist, Michael D’Antuono, “More than a presidential portrait, the ‘Truth’ is a politically, religiously and socially-charged statement on our nation’s current political climate and deep partisan divide that is sure to create a dialogue.”  It created a dialogue all right, as his plan to unveil it at New York City’s Union Square on April 29^th in celebration of the president’s 100th day in office was canceled due to the national outrage he received, as many see it as a blasphemous attack on their faith. 

We may think such depictions of rulers with messianic powers ridiculous, but fallen man has a long, illustrious track record of crowning mortal, sinful men as their Messiah Kings, even those who supposedly name the Lord.  Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold your King!”  But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him!  Crucify Him!”  Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?”  The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!“ (John 19:14-15).  Now, unless we get too sanctimonious in condemning those that gave their allegiance to Caesar, I would venture to say that there are millions of Americans that claim to be Christian who have put their trust and hope in President Obama, as though he is the highest king that has a real bearing in their lives.  Yes, we do elect rulers to represent us, but is there not a King whom they too must submit to (Rev. 1:5)? . . . or is King Jesus merely a  spiritual figurehead who bears no actual rule in the affairs of man?      

This leads to a very important question you need to ask yourself.  Who do you say is the King?  Your answer will determine the worldview by which you live and by what basis you have hope or despair for your life and that of your children this side of Heaven.  This brings to mind an equally important question.  If Christ is the king, what kind is He?  When does He reign, by what authority, and over whom? Once again, your answer will make all of the difference between living a life of pragmatic reaction or hope filled proaction.       

Some believers struggle with even the notion of Christ being a King, since they cannot picture Him but as a meek and mild shepherd riding humbly down a dusty street on the foal of a donkey or a pierced body nailed forever to a cross.  There are others that see His kingship in the abstract, merely a comforting spiritual metaphor that has no real substance or meaning in their daily grind on earth, except when referred to occasionally in Christmas plays when they celebrate His birth.  Others, however, recognize His true Majesty, but in a distant, futuristic sense where He will someday exercise authority on earth, but for now rules only in the unseen realm of the Christian’s heart, while leaving the earth for the devil and fallen man to rule.  Still others believe that, although He is the King of kings seated on His throne with all authority in Heaven and on earth, He, nonetheless, exercises His kingdom authority in the realm of Heaven only, leaving His Church here on earth to slog it out in the public square as a mere equal with the many religions and gods of mankind, a classic “Mexican Standoff” where neither His Church on earth nor the kingdoms of fallen man emerge the clear winner in the history of the world.  Finally, there are some like me that believe He is the Sovereign King seated forever on His throne with all authority in Heaven and on earth, where every knee presently bows to Him either by conversion through the effectual working of the Holy Spirit or by judgment through the effectual working of the royal scepter He wields, as He makes His enemies his footstool while judging kingdoms and nations in the here and now. 

If ever there was a time to objectify his rule as King, now is it.  Without being accused of being a doomsayer, might I say that we live in perilous times, given our nation’s suicidal rush into the totalitarianism of messianic humanism.  We had better get it settled now who is truly our King, for we Americans are about to be tested, and to get it wrong is to likely lead one to eventually deny Him. 

That is why it is so imperative that Christians everywhere come into a scripturally solid understanding of Christ, as the King over the nations, for by it we will be able overcome the world, even by faith in Him (1John 5:4-5) according to the glorious Gospel of His present Kingdom.  I happen to be greatly encouraged by the concise, though very powerful, description of how Christ executes His office as King, as given in question 45 of The Larger Catechism of the Westminster Assembly (1648).  I have published it below, complete with the original Scripture footnotes.  Take the time to read and ponder it, look up the Scriptures, and be encouraged, for our King is not as men, but faithful and true.  — The Rural Missourian             

Question 45: How does Christ execute the office of a king?

Answer: Christ executes the office of a king, in calling out of the world a people to himself,1 and giving them officers,2 laws,3 and censures, by which he visibly governs them;4 in bestowing saving grace upon his elect,5 rewarding their obedience,6 and correcting them for their sins,7 preserving and supporting them under all their temptations and sufferings,8 restraining and overcoming all their enemies,9 and powerfully ordering all things for his own glory,10 and their good;11 and also in taking vengeance on the rest, who know not God, and obey not the gospel.12

1. Acts 15:14-16; Isa. 55:4-5; Gen. 49:10; Psa. 110:3

2. Eph. 4:11-12; I Cor. 12:28

3. Isa. 33:22

4. Matt. 18:17-18; I Cor. 5:4-5

5. Acts 5:31

6. Rev. 22:12; 2:10

7. Rev. 3:19

8. Isa. 63:9

9. I Cor. 15:25; Psa. 110

10. Rom. 14:10-11

11. Rom. 8:28

12. II Thes. 1:8-9; Psa. 2:8-9