Rival King

Yesterday, mention was made of the fact that this week is being observed by many Christians as Epiphany week. We also took careful note of the fact that January 6 is celebrated as The Feast of Epiphany, where focus is given to significant events in the life of Jesus, such as His Baptism and Him being manifested to men from the East, referred to as Magi or wise men.

It certainly is always interesting to remember that while many of us believers celebrate the first Advent Day of Jesus, commonly referred to as Christmas Day, on December 25^th, others celebrate the Birth of Jesus on January 6.^. Traditions come and go. However, during this week, with Advent still fresh and vibrant in our hearts and on our minds, whether we have celebrated Advent or are now celebrating it, our focus will be on one specific event. We will be drawing from this portion of the Advent happening, this time of Epiphany, when the wise men were divinely led to the Christ Child, born King of the Jews.

At this point, with covenant promises fresh, alive and active within us, I am compelled to bring before you this most familiar, well-known and well-revered passage of Scripture.

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold wise men came from the East to Jerusalem, saying, Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him. When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. Matthew 2: 1 – 4.

For the duration of this Covenant Week and Epiphany Week, we shall be led through a path not often travelled. We shall be coming to a time of receiving enrichment and acknowledgement, through the Rival King. The word, rival, is quite versatile and can assume different parts of speech, to perform different functions. For the most part however, during this week, it shall be used to describe who Jesus is to King Herod.

If a rival is a person competing with another for the same objective, or for superiority, authority and ownership in the same field of endeavour or activity, then it is easy to see how and why many in high positions held Jesus as their rival. We must agree that Jesus, being a rival to others is no great or big surprise. When we view the actions, attitude and non-acceptance of Jesus by many Jewish leaders – scribes, teachers of the law, elders, Pharisees and more – people who were simply jealous of Jesus, we can see clearly how they could view Him as their rival.

We must never ever be deceived about this fact though. These people saw Jesus as their rival. Jesus never saw them as His rival. How could the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, He who is Supreme and Superior to all creation, for He is God Himself in flesh, be subjected to that which He has created? Believer, be aware and never deceive yourself on this point. Through the ages and even today, people still hold Jesus as their rival in many and varied ways, still seeking to snuff out His Living Word. 

This is not a matter to take lightly, to scoff at, to turn your backs on as nonsense, or to disbelieve. May God the Holy Spirit expose you and me to how very simply, without even being conscious of it, we who claim to be our Lord’s servants and followers, hold Him as a rival and try to shut down His words and commands, which do not suit our purposes, plans and progress.

May God save us from all such folly, as we are led through this most different and unmeasured week.