Making Room for the King: Embracing Jesus in a Chaotic World

In a world that seems increasingly chaotic, where traditional values are often challenged and dismissed, it's crucial to pause and reflect on our spiritual foundations. Are we making room in our thinking for Jesus, our soon-coming king? This question isn't just rhetorical—it's a call to action, an invitation to realign our hearts and minds with the truth of God's word.

The concept of kingship may feel outdated in our modern era. After all, monarchies have declined significantly over the past few centuries. But the kingship of Jesus transcends earthly politics and cultural shifts. It's about recognizing His authority, not just in theory, but in our daily lives and decisions.

We live in a world where we're often pressured to conform, to nod along with popular opinions, even when they contradict our faith. But as believers, we're called to have the holy courage to think differently. This doesn't mean being confrontational or disrespectful, but rather standing firm in our convictions, rooted in the truth that Jesus Christ is Lord.

The Bible speaks of Jesus' return as king with striking frequency—over 2,000 times across the Old and New Testaments. This isn't a peripheral issue; it's central to our faith and hope. The promise of Christ's return should shape our worldview and inform our actions.

Consider the vivid description in Revelation 19:11-16:

"I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. 'He will rule them with an iron scepter.' He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."

This powerful imagery reminds us that Jesus' return will be physical, universal, and utterly transformative. It will bring an end to chaos and establish His perfect reign.

But how do we live in light of this future reality? How do we make room for the King in a world that often seeks to push Him out?

First, we must ground ourselves firmly in God's word. The more we distance ourselves from the Bible, the more vulnerable we become to the shifting sands of cultural relativism. Regular engagement with Scripture helps us discern truth from falsehood and gives us the courage to stand firm in our faith.

Second, we need to actively participate in Christian community. Attending church isn't about earning points with God; it's about finding intimacy with Jesus and strengthening our faith alongside fellow believers. When we gather together, we create space for God to speak to us collectively and individually.

Third, we should orient our lives around the hope of Christ's return. This doesn't mean abandoning our earthly responsibilities, but rather fulfilling them with an eternal perspective. As we go about our daily tasks, we can ask ourselves: How does this align with God's kingdom? Am I living in a way that honors Christ as King?

The story of Telemachus, a 4th-century monk, provides a powerful example of living with this kingdom perspective. Following God's prompting, Telemachus traveled from Turkey to Rome, where he courageously interrupted a gladiatorial fight in the Colosseum. Though it cost him his life, his actions led to the end of these brutal spectacles. This reminds us that even small acts of faithfulness can have far-reaching impacts for God's kingdom.

As we navigate the complexities of our modern world, we're called to be like Telemachus—willing to stand up for truth and righteousness, even when it's unpopular or costly. We're invited to declare "Jesus is Lord" not just with our words, but with our choices and actions.

Making room for the King in our lives involves practical steps:

1. Ensure your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life by placing your trust in Jesus Christ.

2. Get busy with what matters eternally—serve in your local church, reach out to those in need, share the gospel.

3. Invest your talents to their maximum potential for God's kingdom.

4. Meet the needs of others with pure love, remembering Jesus' words that what we do for "the least of these," we do for Him.

5. Never be ashamed of Jesus—stand firm in your faith, even when it's difficult.

As we embrace these practices, we create space in our hearts and lives for Jesus to reign. We become beacons of hope in a chaotic world, pointing others to the true King.

Remember, the chaos we see around us is temporary. One day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Until then, we have the privilege and responsibility of living as citizens of His kingdom, making His presence known in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

Let's commit to making room for the King in our thinking, our priorities, and our actions. As we do, we'll find that His peace begins to reign in our hearts, even amidst the chaos of this world. And we'll be ready to welcome Him when He returns, not as strangers, but as faithful servants eager to hear those beautiful words: "Well done, good and faithful servant."