Encountering the Warrior KingSample

Day 4: Are We His Intimate Friends or Useful Servants?

Jesus is called many things: Messiah, Lord, the Christ, Son of Man, Son of David, Son of God, Teacher, Savior and Shepherd … and King, a kind Warrior King to be sure. In Revelation 19:16, John declares that Jesus is “King of kings and Lord of lords.” A king reigns over a territory and its people; a lord exercises his will over all that is under his care and control. How a king reigns and rules, whether well or badly, depends on his heart. Jesus loves fiercely; takes responsibility for those under his care; and gives, not depletes. He focuses on others and is life-inviting and life-producing.

As New Testament scholar N. T. Wright has said, “If you want to know who God is, look at Jesus. If you want to know what it means to be human, look at Jesus. If you want to know what love is, look at Jesus. If you want to know what grief is, look at Jesus. And go on looking until you’re not just a spectator, but you’re actually a significant part of the drama which has him as the central character.”

Jesus doesn’t call us “sidekicks.” He calls us friends. That’s what he is after with us: not usefulness or servitude but intimacy, because “useful” produces one kind of relationship, while “intimate friends” makes for something quite different.

How I see Jesus and what he wants from me directly relates to how I interact with him. To believe lies about him is detrimental to my personal becoming, the evolution of me into me. But to grasp the truth—wow. No telling where that can lead, but you can bet it’ll be good.

As you ponder all this with God today, consider asking Him:

Father, open my eyes to both the truth of scripture and moments in my story where Jesus shows himself to be a Warrior King, fighting for me as well as kindly loving me.

Jesus, how does it make a difference in my life and story that you call me your intimate friend rather than your useful servant?

Spirit, would you open my heart to see how you see me? Would you remove any lies I am believing that are blocking me from deeper intimacy with you and becoming a kind and strong image bearer, just like Jesus?