No Kings? Really?

This past Saturday, “No Kings” protests, according to organizers, drew an estimated 7 million people at 2600 rallies and events across the USA.

The “No Kings” organizers are protesting the policies and what they perceive as the authoritarian rule of President Trump’s administration. Someone quipped on facebook that the protests must have worked. “I woke up Monday morning, and we still don’t have a King. Just a President.”

Among the protestors carrying “No Kings” signs, I wish I could have seen someone holding a sign that said “I Have A King.”

No, this post is not about politics, Democracy, or Donald Trump. I actually have friends who hold convictions on opposite ends of the political spectrum. I personally know some Christians who conscientiously felt driven to participate in the protests. Other Christians offered equally compelling arguments opposed to the spirit of the protests.

The post, however, is about King Jesus.

Sadly, there are too many in our country who have rejected Him whom Paul called “the King of kings.” They not only renounce any form of political authoritarianism but also reject any form of rule, authority, or control over their lives morally or spiritually. Their mantra is “No one tells me what to do.” No preacher. No pastor. No church. No religion. Not even Jesus Christ Himself.

That attitude is not new. It began in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve rejected God’s authority and listened to Satan instead. It’s reflected in the era of the Judges when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judg 21:25).

Ironically, it’s the same spirit as ancient Israel, when they demanded a King like the other nations. They not only rejected the prophet Samuel’s leadership but also God’s rule. (1 Sam. 8:4-9). And it is further demonstrated when God’s people embraced and worshiped the idols of foreign nations while pretending to honor Jehovah.

The Psalmist and prophets spoke of a coming Messianic King. Isaiah prophesied, “For to us a child is born… and the government will be on his shoulders…Of the greatness of his government and peace, there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom… (Isa. 9:6-7). ”David wrote, “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill,” (Ps. 2:7). And Zechariah 9:9 proclaims, “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey.”

In the New Testament, Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel” (Jn. 1:49). As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowd shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!” (Jn,. 12:13). When Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you a King?” He responded, “My kingdom is not of this world… You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth” (Jn 18:36-37).

While American citizens have the right to disagree, debate, and engage in peaceful protest, let us conduct ourselves with the understanding that we have a higher calling and are citizens of a heavenly Kingdom. To those of us who profess allegiance to and honor King Jesus, let us…

• Genuinely love one another (Rom. 12:9)
• Respect and esteem one another (Phil. 2:3-4).
• Care for one another (1 Cor. 12:25)
• Not bite and devour one another (Gal. 5:15).
• Realize we’re all one in Christ, regardless of gender, ethnicity, social status, or even political affiliation (Gal. 3:26-27).
• Practice the “Golden Rule” in all our relationships–Believers and non-Believers, Republicans and Democrats, friends and foes. (Matt. 7:12).
• “Render unto Caesar, the things that are Caesar’s,” regardless if “Caesar” has a “D’ or an ‘R’ after his name (Matt. 21:21).
• Pray for all who are in authority (1 Tim. 2:2).
• “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” (1 Pet 2:7).
• Refrain from “anger, wrath, clamor, and evil speaking” (Eph. 4:31).
• Be subject to the governing authorities (Rom. 13:1).
• Shine as a light in a darkened world (Matt. 5:13-16).
• Submit in obedience to the reign of King Jesus (Jn. 14:15).

The world may chant, “No Kings,” but heaven responds, “Behold your King!” The question is not whether a King exists—it’s whether we will acknowledge Him. Philippians 2:10 reminds us that one day, “every knee will bow” before Jesus. Some will bow in worship. Others, in regret.

For followers of Christ, our message isn’t rebellion—it’s reverence. We don’t shout, “No Kings.” We joyfully proclaim, “We have a King—and His name is Jesus.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman