In Service to the King

In the times of the kings of legend and myth, knights would pledge their allegiance to the kingdom, to its ruler, and to live by a certain code. The knights of King Arthur would pledge that I will develop my life for the greater good. I will place character above riches, and concern for others above personal wealth, I will never boast, but cherish humility instead, I will speak the truth at all times, and forever keep my word, I will defend those who cannot defend themselves… I will uphold justice by being fair to all, I will be faithful in love and loyal in friendship, I will abhor scandals and gossip-neither partake nor delight in them, I will be generous to the poor and to those who need help, I will forgive when asked, that my own mistakes will be forgiven, I will live my life with courtesy and honor from this day forward (Joseph D. Jacques, Chivalry-Now: The Code of Male Ethics). It was a code of conduct by which knights lived. Their lives were changed from before they took the life of knighthood. And though we could probably learn something from the pledge these knights undertook, we who call ourselves Christian, have given our own pledge to our king. One that came at our salvation. The point where life would no longer be the same. Paul came to this moment. He was living as a priest for the Jewish people. His mission was to hunt down Christians and kill them. Until he was on the road to Damascus and encountered Jesus. This encounter blinded Paul and changed the course of his life. Luke records it this way, that Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord— Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here— has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength (Acts 9:17-19 NIV).

This was a defining moment for Paul and would set the course for the rest of his life. He would no longer just worship God in the synagogues on the day of Sabbath. After he received the Holy Spirit, Paul spent every day in worship to king Jesus. To say that my soul sings in the morning. I love the King and he loves me and all that I'm compelled to bring is my everyday offering. Your mercy's new - your mercy's new every morning. I come alive as you're calling and all that I'm compelled to bring is my everyday offering (SEU Worship, Monday Morning Faith).

After encountering Jesus, our lives are different. To understand the great price that He paid so that you might live, should compel you to His service. To declare your allegiance to the king. The everlasting one whose mercies are new every morning. Come alive today at the calling of our King. Our Lord and Savior. Jesus. To live in service to the king!