Christ is our king. If you live in a country with a king this sounds like treason. If you live in a country without a king it sounds like mutiny. No matter where you live, it sounds like faith.

The image of a king comes primarily from the stories of David, the ideal king of Israel. David ruled many years and his kingship became a kind of Camelot, a perfect period in which the nation flourished and God seemed pleased.

David was flawed, of course. He sinned. He ignored God’s word. But God still loved him, and David remained an extraordinary example of leadership.

David began his reign as the successor to Saul. The elders of the people came to David in Hebron and made an agreement with him that he should be their king. They chose David because he had a good war record. He “led the Israelites out and brought them back.” He also had a relationship with God, and God appointed him to leadership: “You shall shepherd my people Israel and shall be commander of Israel.” Because of his exploits and his faith David ruled.

David prefigured the reign of Jesus. Jesus exercised his kingship by his wondrous deeds, spellbinding preaching and intimate prayer with the Father. There is no king but Jesus, who lived out all that David aspired to be, but without sin.

As we acclaim Christ our King we do so, knowing he is our model of leadership, prayer and power.

Written by Paul Turner. Liturgy Training Publications
Copyright 2003, Archdiocese of Chicago