A Worthy King
“God makes winds into celestial messengers, and flames of fire into God’s ministers.” – Hebrews 1:7b (as translated by Wilda C. Gafney in Year B)
A friend once proudly declared himself “a subject of the crown.” I recoiled at this. When I preached about it, my congregation recoiled as well. It’s just not how we were raised to think. But this passage from Hebrews talks about the power of Christ enthroned. If we must be someone’s “subject” then it should be Jesus’s. Though he never used that language. He called us “friend.”
Meanwhile, there are plenty of people who want to make you a subject. Jesus would not be pleased. Even he didn’t want to be called king. Beware anyone who wants to elevate themselves over where Jesus was willing to go.
There is a vast difference between Christ on the throne and anyone else on theirs. Christ enthroned is most certainly good news. Especially when leaders are bad. Especially when power becomes a weapon of destruction rather than a means of healing.
Christ—the most powerful, God on high—Christ is on the throne. Christ enthroned is the only one who can take those winds and make them “God’s celestial messengers.” Christ is on the throne. Christ enthroned is the only one who can take “flames of fire” and make them “God’s ministers.” Elements that otherwise could be deadly, with God’s power? They become God’s ministers.
The distinction is clear: earthly leaders often falter. But Christ on the throne never will. This kingship transforms power into healing, flames into ministers, and wind into messengers.
God is able. God can take even the most destructive forces and breathe grace into them. God can take anything and breathe grace into it. Including you.
Yes, church, there is a breach. There are always scary moments. But Christ is on the throne.
Prayer
God, breathe new life into every place that needs it. Let the wind be your messenger. Let the fire be a light to us. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
About the AuthorKaji Douša is the Senior Pastor of The Park Avenue Christian Church, a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, in New York City.