Luke 19-B "No King in Gondor!"

S = 19:12-14 “He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’”

 

O = In the context of correcting their kingdom suppositions from immediacy to a time of delay Jesus told this parable. Much could be said about the historical allusion to Herod and Archelaus’ trips to Rome, but what strikes me is the attitude of the citizens who rejected the man as king. It reminds me of the scene in Lord of the Rings where Boromir (the son of the Steward of Gondor) rejects the ranger Aragorn (the true heir to the throne) as king, saying, “Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king.” But later, having learned better, Boromir lies mortally wounded in a heroic effort to obey Aragon’s command, asks for forgiveness and proclaims Aragorn as “my lord and my king” with his dying breath. It is gripping cinema. But it hits a little too close to home.

 

A = How often have I done the same thing? Too often in willfulness and pride I have as much as said that I don’t want the Lord to rule over me…I would rather do my own thing—but it always ends badly. God has an absolute claim on the kingship in my life and my rejection of the Lordship only causes pain to me and those I love. I would much rather be one of the ten servants that were given a place, an opportunity to play a part in the king’s plan. What he is looking for from me is faithfulness. What is Jesus asking me to do this week? Will I respond obediently: immediately, thoroughly, completely, and cheerfully and hear his commendation, “Well done, good servant”? Or will I be like those “enemies” who refuse to participate in the kingdom? The goal is living a daily surrendered life rather than a daily selfish life.

 

P = O Lord, I repent once again of my self-rule and willful independence. May I by your grace be considered a servant that can be trusted until the return of the king. Thank you that you have included me in your kingdom and judge me not by my success, but in faithfulness. May I not forget that you exist and that you are a rewarder of those that seek you (Heb. 11:6)!