Flourishing Life

10.9 million Americans woke up early on the first Saturday in May, not for the Derby, but for the Coronation of King Charles III of the United Kingdom. What amazes me about this number is not how large it is, though it’s huge for a televised event, especially that early, but how it compares to the viewers in the UK, who numbered 18.8 million. He’s their king! And they didn’t have to wake up early, yet they couldn’t even double the American audience!

It’s interesting how we went to a lot of trouble to free ourselves from a monarchy, yet we’re still awfully fascinated with all things royal.

While King Charles’ realm doesn’t extend to the States, there is a King whose kingdom is over the whole of creation and who’s worthy of our allegiance: King Jesus. Today is the celebration of the Ascension of Christ, when Jesus ascended into heaven and was seated at the right hand of the Father until he returns to judge the living and the dead. We’re living in his reign as his servants, and we want to serve his Kingdom purposes.

I don’t know how long Charles’ reign will last before William takes his place, but I do know that Jesus’ Kingdom is forever, and I want to be a part of that Kingdom now and into eternity. “His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:14 ESV).