We’re starting a new series this week. If you have any questions, thoughts, and comments, email me and I’d love to incorporate them.
Reminder- 2nd Saturday Men’s Breakfast is this weekend. 8:30 am at Rudy’s.
Who is the greatest king in history?
I found a list of the 10 Greatest Monarchs in world history and it was interesting to see why they were included. Many of them focus on military accomplishments and how much territory they ruled. But there are others who are praised for reforms in legal systems that benefitted all classes, their encouragement of the arts, freedoms granted, economic booms, and even encouragement of morality.
So what makes a “king”?
In the book on mature masculinity I’m getting insights from for these devotions, it speaks of “king” as the first and most important archetype for men. Very few men in history actually have been monarchs but all men draw on this concept. The idea of a king is someone who is the father of a nation, who represents leadership even from God to the people, who cares for all people by encouraging and rewarding them, bringing calm to their fears, and stewards the resources of others.
What does this look like in regular men like us? I like some examples from the book. This is what energizes us to take on the financial and psychological stresses of our family and be the calm in the midst of their storms while encouraging them to succeed in their own schooling, work, etc. It’s what enables us to go to work and confront a rebellious subordinate without having to fire them. Or to build a relationship with a coworker struggling who we encourage and support through addiction or other family crisis. It’s the ideal that we will be a voice of calm and reassurance when things at work or church seem like they’re out of control and others are panicking. The king cares for all and succeeds when they succeed.
Remember, “Whoever wants to be great amongst you, must become a servant.” (Matt 20:26)
Blessings!
Dan Borkenhagen
Associate Pastor
Hope Lutheran Church & School
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