The Heir to the Throne

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/

The birth of the Queen’s first great-grandchild has certainly caused widespread interest. Apart from the press camped outside the hospital awaiting the news of the birth, there has certainly been numerous messages circulated around social media. We might not know the name of the new Prince of Cambridge but he is already a high profile figure – third in line to the throne!

 

I suppose that it is befitting for a Prince to be born in a private hospital, to live in a royal palace, and to be a high profile public figure from birth. Christians will certainly pray for the new Prince, as they have prayed for his father and mother, grandfather, and great-grandmother.

 

In thinking about these events I was drawn to another birth around 2000 years ago. The wise men came to enquire, ‘Where is he that is born king of the Jews?’ This was not a royal Prince but the God-promised Messiah and King of the nation. It would seem rather strange in 2013. We would just follow the media frenzy to find where any royal baby was born. If not, go to the royal palace. Where was Jesus to be found when he was born? In a manger, probably in the corner of a field rather than the ‘cosy’ stable of the Christmas story! Where did the wise men find Him? Was it in the palace? He spent his early life in a simple house in the care of a carpenter. Was He welcomed? Matthew, in his gospel, tells us that Herod killed all the young children in Bethlehem in his rage as he tried to hunt down and kill the baby Jesus. Did this child grow into a man and ascend the throne of the nation? We are told that Pilate, the Roman Governor, wrote the superscription that was fastened over the cross where the man died, ‘This is Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews’.

 

This was not the result of an uprising of the people. No one overthrew this king. This was not the consequence of a Roman crackdown either. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died at Calvary because He was hated and despised. What is surprising is that He was hated even though He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and raised the dead! The Lord Jesus Christ’s death shows us human sin and guilt – we crucified a sinless man. But that same death demonstrates God’s love for you and me – the Bible says, ‘Christ died for our sins’. That was something that only Christ could do.

 

What is crucial here is whether you have made that death apply to you. Can you say, ‘Christ died for me’? Will you bear the punishment for your sin and guilt or has Christ borne it for you? Is He your Saviour, or merely a figure in history?

What price do we put on a life?

Picture taken from the BBC News website

In Bury, Lancashire, the funeral has taken place of Fusilier Lee Rigby. This was not the funeral of another soldier killed in a foreign land whilst serving his country. This was the result of a horrific attack upon the streets of London, as the soldier returned to the barracks in Woolwich. The large crowd around the church where the service took place is an indication of the sympathy felt for the family, and the outrage at the people who could commit such an atrocity.

 

For some there may be the genuine question about “religion” that motivates people to kill. Whether it is so-called Muslims who murder Christians, or so-called Christians who murder Muslims, there is nothing that can be used to justify such actions. The Bible says, “Thou shalt not kill”. This was one of God’s direct commandments.  Many Christians refused to take up arms in the Second World War because of their faith.  But shouldn’t we rather be concerned that 551 homicides (including murder, manslaughter, and infanticide) were reported in the year ending December 2012? Is this particular case a reminder that we are beginning to think that life is cheap?

 

The Bible reminds us of God’s valuation on life. The words of Jesus Christ are clear: “What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” You cannot put a price on a life! Your life and your eternal destiny are of the utmost importance. God gave His own Son to die on a Roman cross to provide your salvation from sin. He was prepared to sacrifice all that He had for you – that is the price he puts on your life and your soul! You are infinitely precious to God. What is your response? Will you trust Him with your life, or will you reject Him?