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ELVIS COULD SING BUT JESUS IS KING! |
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Elvis Presley was one of the most influential and famous music / movie icons in American history. He was so well known 
and so well liked that he became known as simply, “Elvis.” We were on a first name basis with him. His music touched millions, changed the pop music landscape, and created many adoring fans (including Pastor Jim!).
His impact was so deep and his grip on the music industry was so strong that he became to be known as the “King of Rock ‘n Roll.” Or simply, “The King.”
Human kings
You don’t have to go back to the Old Testament to find “kings.” In fact, you don’t even have to dig deeply into history to find “kings.” Even today, there are world leaders with that title. Some are symbolic kings or queens, others have real power and influence over their “subjects.”
But there are other types of “kings” too; ones that don’t serve as a national leader or hold a government office. A “king” is anything that demands our allegiance, attention, and affection. They exercise power and authority over us. A “king” (or “queen”) is somebody or something that can’t be ignored.
Sometimes these “kings” are worthy of our attention and allegiance. Sometimes they connect in ways that deserve our affection. And yet, we can probably all agree that the world offers many “kings” that don’t deserve our allegiance; kings that don’t have our best interests in heart or lead us in ways that don’t help society. There are “kings” that instill a moral character, and there are “kings” that lead us down a wrong path.
But these “kings” are temporary. Elvis left an impact on music, but he’s gone and you can’t see him in concert anymore. His records are gathering dust or are left lying unwanted on yard sale tables. The VHS tapes are stored away in milk crates. You can appreciate his talent and impact, but you can’t give your allegiance to him anymore. You can’t regard him with affection because he can’t respond to you. This “king” has no awareness or interest in your life.
Elvis could sing! But Elvis died on August 16, 1977.
Divine King
But there’s another King who is eternal. A King who does deserve your allegiance, attention, and affection. He may not live on earth and exercise the same type of power over us as a human king. We can’t go to this King’s “Buckingham Palace” and see Him in all His splendor.
And yet, He is real. Not only is He real, He’s really eternal. All earthly “kings” are passing fads;
- Is King George III still striking fear and anger among the “colony’s” patriots?
- Is signing a declaration of independence still an act of treason?
No- this “king” is gone!
The Divine King isn’t only real and eternal, He created everything that we see; including ourselves. Earthly kings may build some roads and buildings, but our Divine King built everything. In fact, the Bible tells us that this creation doesn’t even run by itself. There’s no “Mother Nature” that just keeps things going without the constant intervention of our Divine King.
Attributes of a king
What is a “king”? If you think about it, here are some of the attributes of a king:
- Ownership– Things in a kingdom belong to the king.
- Uniqueness– There’s only one king. He’s got the undisputed authority.
- Authority– If the king told you to do it, you have no choice but to do it.
- Power– The king has accumulated wealth, and society guards his authority.
- Influence– A king can be an inspiration; he sets the moral tone.
If you look at Jesus, you begin to see that He possesses all of those attributes…
Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
Fishermen on the Sea of Galilee
When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the water, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!“
Mark 4:38-41
Elvis could bring a crowd to its feet, but Jesus can bring nature to its knees.
Knowing the Divine King
We know a lot about Elvis. We can enjoy his movies, watch his concerts, and listen to his music. There are a ton of films, books and documentaries about him. We may not see him in person, but we can see his influence. We may not know him in person, but we can be inspired by those who did know him personally.
But what about the Divine King? How can we know Him?
Read Throughout history, more has been written about Jesus than even about Elvis. The four Gospels in the Bible are all about Him. The remaining 23 books in the New Testament don’t get very far without lifting up Jesus. And it’s not only a New Testament thing. If you read between the lines, you don’t have to look very hard to see Jesus in the Old Testament. Just do a search for “Angel of the Lord.” Once you start reading all of those references you get the sense that something’s going on; there’s something that goes beyond the appearance of an angel (or messenger) from God.
Watch When you’re taking a walk through a park or around the block, take a look at the wonder of creation around you. Notice all of the forms of life. Colossians 1 tells us that everything you see was made by Christ and for Christ. Our King Jesus is in everything! Notice what’s around you, and you’ll begin to sense some of His attributes.
Listen Not everyone has the gift of dreams. Not everyone can notice the little things of life. Others can see in you things you can’t see in yourself. God appears in a “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:11-13) and our own ears might not be tuned to hear Him. But God is working through others. Pay attention to what He is showing them; the lesson is for you too.
Rejoice the Lord is King!
Elvis made a lot of great music. His concerts were enthralling and he entertained millions with his movies. You might know a lot about him, but did he know YOU? And other than some good times listening to his music, what did he ever do for you?
But rejoice! Elvis could sing, but we have a King who knows us and loves us anyway. He wants to have a relationship with you and to be your Good Shepherd. And, He is God’s Anointed One and will someday return to rule on the earth (even as He rules in hearts today).
Rejoice! The Lord Jesus is King!!!
(Yes, the organ music in this video is very “churchy.” But even if it’s not to your taste and you want to turn down the volume, think about these words by Charles Wesley)…
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