During the month of April, I’ve chosen to blog through the alphabet. Each day I will use a letter to share a Name of the Lord that begins with that letter based on Proverbs 18:10 and the fact that there is strength in the Lord’s Name. I pray you’ll be blessed and that you’ll stop by often.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Proverbs 18:10 – NIV

King

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Why is it that things always look better on the other side? The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. The neighbors never have any troubles. Other countries seem to have figured out the important issues.

As humans, we typically compare the way things are in our life with someone or something else. But generally, it is a really bad thing to do. If a little digging were done, I can almost completely guarantee that things or people aren’t as perfect as they seem.

To be honest, comparisons have been going on from the beginning of time. Eve compared herself to God and fell short. Cain compared himself Abel and committed the first murder in history. So you see, the evil one has made this a top priority in our lives…he wants us to be discontent with ourselves.

The people of Israel found themselves comparing their nation to others. When the prophet Samuel grew older and Samuel’s sons were not godly men, the elders of Israel requested a king. “You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.” (1 Samuel 8:5 – NIV)

Israel had compared themselves to other nations and couldn’t understand why they were kingless. They wanted to be ruled as their neighboring countries. By a king who had full authority. All rights. Unquestionable actions and words. They wanted an earthly king.

Samuel and God both knew this was not a good idea, but chose Saul to be the first king of Israel. In Samuel’s farewell speech, he spoke these words. “But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, we want a king to rule over us’—even though the Lord your God was your King.” (1 Samuel 12:12 – NIV)

God was Israel’s King, but they wanted something more. They wanted a physical king to place above all men. They wanted a physical king to lead them. They wanted a physical king because everyone else had one.

When King David took over the throne, a “man after God’s heart” led Israel. David understood God’s work in the lives of Israel and David made certain that God was given the glory for his victories. These are just three verses in the Book of Psalm that voice David’s opinion.

“Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.” (Psalm 5:2 – NIV)

“How awesome is the Lord Most High, the great King over all the earth!” (Psalm 47:2 – NIV)

“For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.” (Psalm 95:3 – NIV)

The great news is that we are able to run to this King in times of trouble as well. He will hear our cry. He rules over the whole earth. He is above all gods. You can believe it. He is the great King!

And here’s a little twist, we’ve been rescued and redeemed by the King of kings, Jesus Christ. “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought  us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13-14 – NIV)

Today, let’s rejoice in our King. For what He has done and for what He will do. We can join the crowd on the day of Jesus’ triumphal entry by saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Luke 19:38 – NIV) Jesus is our King, that is His Name.

Perhaps you haven’t asked King Jesus to sit upon the throne of your heart. If not, why not choose Jesus to be your King today? He is like no earthly king. He is above all gods. He will hear your cry. You will never know a better King.

I pray that as you read these words today, you know who the King of your life is. I also pray that you will honor your King by walking in the ways of the Lord. He is our King!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna